The year 2024 proved to be a defining chapter in the history of wrestling, showcasing extraordinary talent and memorable performances on the world stage. The United World Wrestling unveiled its list of top wrestlers, recognizing those who dominated their divisions and delivered exceptional results throughout the season.
Iran’s Mohammad Hadi Saravi emerged as the most dominant wrestler of the year. The Greco-Roman specialist had an unbeaten run, securing three gold medals, including one at the Paris Olympics. With 73 points and 11 consecutive victories without a single defeat, Saravi demonstrated unmatched technical skill and physical strength. His performance not only solidified his place among the sport’s elite but also inspired the next generation of Iranian wrestlers.
In freestyle wrestling, Georgia’s Geno Petriashvili claimed the top honor in the 125kg category. He ended the season with 68,200 points, fueled by a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, a silver at the European Championships, and strong showings in ranking tournaments in Croatia and Hungary. Renowned for his agility and tactical brilliance, Petriashvili once again proved why he is regarded as one of the most consistent competitors in the sport.
NAO KUSAKA, BUSRA KAVUSOGLU, GENO PETRIASHVILI
Japan’s Nao Kusaka was another standout performer, particularly in the Greco-Roman 77kg division. With 79,200 points, Kusaka’s impressive season included gold medals at the Paris Olympics, the Asian Championships, and the Hungary ranking series, along with a bronze in Croatia. His remarkable achievements showcased Japan’s growing influence in Greco-Roman wrestling and positioned him as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Turkey’s Busra Kavusoglu took the spotlight in women’s wrestling, delivering an exceptional performance in the 68kg category. She earned a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, captured gold at the European Championships, and added more medals in ranking events in Hungary and Croatia. Kavusoglu’s combination of resilience and skill made her one of the most celebrated female wrestlers of the year and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes.
The United World Wrestling determined these rankings based on results from four major competitions—the Paris 2024 Olympics, Continental Championships, and ranking series tournaments held in Croatia and Hungary. Athletes who consistently performed well across these events earned points that contributed to their final rankings.
The 2024 season highlighted the depth of talent and fierce competitiveness in wrestling. While veterans like Saravi and Petriashvili reinforced their dominance, younger stars such as Kusaka and Kavusoglu brought fresh excitement to the sport. Their achievements set a new benchmark for excellence and point toward an exciting future for wrestling. Under the visionary leadership of Nenad Lalovic, the President of United World Wrestling, the sport continues to evolve, with an unwavering commitment to fostering global talent and promoting fair competition. With the bar raised higher than ever, fans can expect even more thrilling performances in the years to come.
