CORALVILLE, IOWA — The 2026 Pan-American Wrestling Championships open at the Xtream Arena from May 7–10, bringing the Americas’ top grapplers together across Men’s Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Women’s Wrestling disciplines. This annual continental meet is a key early-season test for elite talent and a barometer for global ambitions ahead of world-level competitions.
United States: Powerhouse on Home Soil
Eight years of uninterrupted team titles at the Pan-American Championships have set a high bar for the host nation. For 2026, the USA fields a 30-athlete squad packed with world medalists and seasoned veterans poised to defend domestic dominance. World gold medalist Zahid Valencia leads the charge at 86 kg after an impressive 2025 season that included a podium finish at the Zagreb Ranking Series and a Pan-Am run where he scored 32-0 on aggregate. His goal is clear: another gold on home turf.
Veteran Max Nowry, at 36, returns to add to his Pan-Am legacy, aiming for a fourth title in Greco-Roman at 55 kg against challengers at least 14 years his junior.
Freestyle Battles: Experience vs Rising Threats
At 92 kg, Trent Hidlay will defend his title in a compact four-man bracket, requiring just three wins for gold. Other contenders include Canada’s Andrew Johnson and Brazil’s Lucas Alvan, while returning bronze medalists like Kevin De Leon Trevino (MEX) aim to upgrade their hardware.
Puerto Rico is emerging as the chief challenger overall, especially in the lighter freestyle weights, with a blend of NCAA-tested talent and tactical wrestlers ready to disrupt traditional podium orders.
Women’s Wrestling: Rising Stars and Tactical Depth
The women’s competition features a deep field across multiple classes. U.S. standout Kylie Welker is expected to be among the favorites at 76 kg, while lower weights present intriguing matchups between U.S., Canadian, and Caribbean contenders. With peak performances critical for momentum heading into world-level events later in the season, medals here carry significant weight.
Greco-Roman: Tradition Meets Youth
Greco-Roman action opens the tournament. While the USA and Cuba have historically dominated, the 2026 edition showcases promising debutants like Dario Cubas (PER) and Darfel Parada (VEN), adding fresh intrigue. USA’s Bey and Mexico’s Macias are expected to contest 82 kg gold directly, emphasizing the tactical and physical intensity of the style.
Schedule & Stakes
Competition unfolds over four days, beginning with Greco-Roman before moving into Women’s Wrestling and concluding with the marquee freestyle sessions. More than medals, competitors seek rhythm, ranking points, and crucial match experience ahead of the global season. Live coverage and results are available through the official event hub and streaming partners.
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