2025 Senior World Championships Begin in Zagreb with Team USA Competing

ZAGREB, Croatia – The 2025 Senior World Championships kicked off on September 18, featuring Greco-Roman wrestling events. The championships continue until September 21, drawing elite competitors from around the world.

Team USA features prominently in this year’s competition, with four Olympians in the Greco-Roman lineup. Ellis Coleman at 63 kg, Alejandro Sancho at 72 kg, Kamal Bey at 77 kg, and Payton Jacobson at 86 kg are among the athletes looking to secure medals.

The competition format includes group waves spanning various weight classes, and the points are calculated based on placement according to UWW’s scoring system. Notably, Russia and Belarus are competing under the name “United World Wrestling” and are not included in official team rankings.

Highlights from the first day included several matches showcasing young American talent. Jayden Raney, a 2024 U17 World champion, advanced to the quarterfinals at 55 kg after impressive victories. Meanwhile, Kennedy Blades in women’s freestyle won her repechage match and is set to compete for bronze.

Raney’s path to the quarterfinals included a narrow win over Ukraine’s Koriun Sahradian, followed by a pinfall victory against Iraq’s Sajjad Ali Albidhan. He faced four-time World champion Eldaniz Azizli of Azerbaijan in the quarterfinals but was eliminated after a strong initial lead by Azizli.

The competition is structured to include semifinals on Day 1 and medals on Day 2, with the schedule made available to fans and followers of the event. The tournament is streamed live for audiences in the U.S.

As the event progresses, Team USA aims for high placements, vying for team points and individual glory as they compete against top-tier athletes.