The 61 kg weight class at the 2025 U.S. Open in Las Vegas is shaping up to be one of the most stacked brackets of the entire tournament. With a mix of proven veterans and rising stars, this division is full of big names, big talent, and plenty of storylines to watch as wrestlers battle for a chance to qualify for Final X.
🔥 Wrestlers to Watch
Marcus Blaze
At just 18 years old, Marcus Blaze is already a major thret on the senior freestyle scene. The high school senior from Perrysburg, Ohio has a U17 world title and a U20 world bronze to his name. In 2024, he made a huge statement by beating top contenders Seth Gross, Nahshon Garrett, and Daton Fix to reach the World Team Trials finals. He eventually fell to World Champ Vito Arujau, but Blaze showed he belongs at the highest level.
Daton Fix
Fix is one of the most consistent top competitors in USA freestyle wrestling. A 2021 World silver medalist and four-time NCAA finalist, he’s been right in the mix at 61 kg for years. With a strong top game and plenty of experience, he’s looking to reclaim his place at the top.
Seth Gross
Gross brings a dangerous and unpredictable style to the mat. He made the World Team in 2022 and has racked up big wins against international names such Olympic bronze medalist Aman Sehrawat and two-time World medalist Suleyman Atli. He’s always a threat to make a deep run.
Nahshon Garrett
Garrett’s speed and offensive firepower are still top-tier. The 2018 Final X champ has a perfect record against both Gross (6–0) and Fix (1–0), which shows he can still shake things up when he’s locked in.
💥 Sleepers and Young Guns
Austin DeSanto
DeSanto is one of the most aggressive wrestlers in the field. He’s taken out big names like Gross and Garrett before, but he’s 0–4 against Fix, which could be a hurdle if they meet.
Nico Megaludis & Nathan Tomasello
Both are former NCAA champs with deep freestyle experience. Megaludis has had success against top guys but lost to Blaze at the Olympic Trials. Tomasello has also beaten Gross and Garrett, though he’s struggled with Fix in their matchups.
Nic Bouzakis & Ben Davino
Bouzakis and Davino are part of the new wave. Both have made age-level World Teams and have the tools to surprise people in Vegas.
🎯 What’s on the Line?
The winner of this weight class punches their ticket to Final X, where they’ll face reigning World Champion Vito Arujau who himself will look to bring home another gold medal this year.
📺 How to Watch
All the action from the U.S. Open will stream live on FloWrestling. If you’re a fan of high-level, fast-paced freestyle wrestling, 61 kg is the weight class you won’t want to miss.
With young stars like Blaze, veterans like Fix and Gross, and a deep field packed with talent, the 61 kg bracket at the 2025 U.S. Open is shaping up to be a wild ride. Get ready for fireworks.
