Experience the Thrill: Nine Spots on the 2025 U.S. Senior Men’s Freestyle World Team Filled at Dynamic Final X in Newark!

NEWARK, N.J. – The recent Final X event at the Prudential Center revealed the next wave of talent for the U.S. Senior World Team in men’s freestyle wrestling. Excitement soared as nine athletes secured their spots for the 2025 World Championships.

The star of the show was high school standout PJ Duke. He shocked many by defeating Yianni Diakomihalis, a seasoned competitor and 2022 World silver medalist. In a thrilling third match, Duke turned the tables after trailing 2-0, performing a stunning pin at 4:07. Diakomihalis dominated their first encounter, winning 10-0. Yet, Duke displayed incredible resilience, coming back strong to win the second match 17-10, ultimately seizing his chance for a World Team spot.

Both Duke and Diakomihalis hail from upstate New York, showcasing the region’s growing talent in wrestling. Duke will soon join Penn State University, while Diakomihalis, a four-time NCAA champion for Cornell, has transitioned to international freestyle at this new weight class of 70 kg.

The Final X event was not just about surprises. Three past World or Olympic medalists secured their places decisively. Spencer Lee swept his matches at 57 kg against Luke Lilledahl, showcasing his skills with a final score of 6-0 in the second match. He’s a 2024 Olympic silver medalist making a strong transition to the senior level.

Zahid Valencia also proved his mettle by defeating the legendary Kyle Dake twice, with close scores that displayed a mix of strategy and sheer will. Kyle Snyder, another Olympic champion, easily handled his opponent, Hayden Zillmer, to clinch his spot—marking his 11th straight year on the U.S. team.

Rising stars included David Carr, who edged out Mitchell Mesenbrink in a tight series, and Levi Haines, who dominated both matches against Evan Wick. Wyatt Hendrickson made headlines recently by winning an NCAA title and continued that momentum by defeating Trent Hillger decisively. His impressive skills at 125 kg reflect a bright future.

Interestingly, the format of the Final X matches mirrors the intense competition at the upcoming World Championships, set to take place in Zagreb, Croatia from September 13-21. This event could significantly impact U.S. wrestling, especially with the addition of these fresh talents.

As for fan reactions, social media has been buzzing with excitement over Duke’s unexpected win and the performances of established champions. Tweets celebrating underdog victories and showcasing clips from the matches have trended widely, signaling strong public interest in wrestling and its rising stars.

The final spot on the U.S. men’s freestyle team remains open, pending the 61 kg series between 2023 World champion Vito Arujau and Jax Forrest, scheduled for mid-July. This delay adds even more intrigue to the team selection process.

This year’s Final X not only highlighted an exciting new chapter for U.S. wrestling but also pointed to its rich tradition of excellence. With fresh talent and experienced champions, the U.S. is poised for success on the world stage.

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