For all the hype around the 2025 US Open, only two men’s freestyle athletes. Spencer Lee at 57 kg and Vito Arujau at 61 kg are sitting safely in Final X. That’s it. Everyone else? They’re still in the trenches, preparing for the war in Vegas. And with the final registration list now locked in, the field is not only wide open. It’s downright dangerous. Hungry challengers, last-minute additions, and returning stars are all eyeing one thing. A shot at the American national team.
And make no mistake, even Lee and Arujau should be watching closely. Some of these contenders might not just threaten. They could flip the script. As the dust settles, fans and analysts alike are scouring the brackets for any late additions that could shake up the already electric mix of talent. With just two wrestlers having secured their Final X spots from previous world or Olympic podiums, this year’s US Open is shaping up to be a battleground where every match could decide a future world teamer.
”After registration closed, here’s who we have listed as entered into the 2025 US Open for Senior Men’s Freestyle,” tweeted InterMat, signaling the finalization of the roster for one of the most anticipated wrestling events of the year. With Lee and Arujau already securing the top spot in finals due to their 2024 World and Olympic medals, the spotlight now shifts to the remaining weight classes. Winners in these categories will earn their spots in Final X, with their opponents to be determined at the World Team Trials.
After registration closed, here’s who we have listed as entered into the 2025 US Open for Senior Men’s Freestylehttps://t.co/uL6xTnG9DN
— InterMat (@InterMat) April 21, 2025
Adding to the excitement, there exists two other most formidable athletes. Kyle Dake and Kyle Snyder! Dake, a four-time world champion, will compete at 86 kg, a weight class known for its depth and competitiveness. His past battles with wrestling greats like David Taylor and J’den Cox have been nothing short of legendary. Snyder, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion, returns to the 97 kg category, bringing with him a legacy of dominance and consistency. Their participation not only elevates the prestige of the tournament but also intensifies the competition, as they face a field brimming with talent and ambition.
Meanwhile, Zahid Valencia, representing the Sunkist Kids Wrestling Club, has made a significant impact by advancing to the finals in the first ranking tournament of the season. Under the mentorship of David Taylor, Valencia aims to leverage his training and experience to secure another medal. His presence adds another layer of intrigue to the already competitive 86 kg division. As the tournament approaches, questions arise about what will unfold on the mats in Las Vegas.
Wrestling titans set to clash in Newark
Final X 2025 is poised to electrify the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 14. This premier wrestling event will determine the 2025 U.S. Senior World Championships Teams in men’s and women’s freestyle, featuring 20 weight classes. 10 in each discipline. The top two athletes in each weight class will engage in a best-of-three series to earn their spot at the 2025 Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
The competition unfolds in two action-packed sessions. Session I at 2 p.m. ET kicks off with round one of each series, while Session II is at 5 p.m. ET delivers round two and, if needed, decisive round three matches. This year’s Final X also serves as the 15th Annual Benefit for Beat the Streets New York, supporting youth wrestling programs across the city.
Among the marquee matchups, Spencer Lee, the 2024 Olympic silver medalist, has secured a direct berth at 57 kg in men’s freestyle. Known for his relentless drive and a chilling Instagram message stating, “War is ready,” Lee awaits the U.S. Open champion from April 26 in Las Vegas for a best-of-three showdown. As anticipation builds, questions is that will the U.S. Open champ withstand Lee’s intensity, or will a new contender emerge to challenge his dominance?
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