The 2025 U.S. World Team in men’s freestyle wrestling is officially set following a dramatic night of action at Final X, hosted at the Prudential Center. With a mix of dominant veterans and breakout stars, Team USA is now ready to take on the world this fall in Zagreb, Croatia
But no storyline shook the wrestling community quite like PJ Duke’s stunning upset over four-time NCAA champion Yianni Diakomihalis. In a thrilling rubber match at 70 kilograms, Duke secured his spot on the senior world team with a pinfall victory, cementing one of the most memorable moments in Final X history.
🇺🇸 Final X 2025 Men’s Freestyle Results
57 kg – Spencer Lee
The Iowa legend returned in elite form, defeating high school phenom Luke Lilledahl in two straight matches to make his first senior world team.
65 kg – Real Woods
Woods showed tactical brilliance, outwrestling Joey McKenna in a two-match sweep. His hand-fighting and short offense proved too much to handle.
70 kg – PJ Duke
Duke split the first two bouts with Yianni before shocking the wrestling world with a pin in Match 3. At just 18 years old, he becomes one of the youngest U.S. men’s freestyle world team members in history.
74 kg – David Carr
Carr edged out Mitchell Mesenbrink in two tightly contested matches. Both finished with 4-3 and 4-4 criteria wins for Carr, solidifying his place as the top dog at 74 kg.
79 kg – Levi Haines
The Penn State standout overwhelmed Evan Wick with a tech fall and a commanding decision to earn his first spot on the world team.
86 kg – Zahid Valencia
In perhaps the most anticipated matchup of the night, Valencia outpointed Olympic bronze medalist Kyle Dake in two matches. His athleticism and pace proved decisive.
92 kg – Trent Hidlay
Hidlay maintained control in both matches against Josh Barr, winning two decisions and making his senior-level debut at the world championships.
97 kg – Kyle Snyder
The Olympic gold medalist and multi-time world champ showed why he’s still the standard at 97 kg, dominating Hayden Zillmer in two matches.
125 kg – Wyatt Hendrickson
With a tech fall in Match 1 and a wild 20-14 shootout win in Match 2, Hendrickson secured his place on Team USA. His explosiveness continues to be unmatched at heavyweight.
🛫 What’s Next?
With Final X now complete, the focus shifts to preparation for the 2025 World Wrestling Championships, scheduled to take place this September in Zagreb, Croatia. USA Wrestling will send this elite squad of men’s freestyle athletes, aiming to build on last year’s strong team performance.
The 61kg bout is yet to be contested and will be soon at Fargo between Vito Arujau and Jax Forrest.
