Crisis in European Freestyle Wrestling: Asia and America Dominate the 2025 World Championships

The balance of power in world freestyle wrestling has shifted dramatically. At the 2025 World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, European nations recorded their worst gold medal performance in a decade, signaling a deepening crisis for the continent’s wrestling programs.

Gold Medal Distribution: A New Global Order

Out of 10 freestyle weight categories, the United States captured three gold medals, Iran earned two, Japan also claimed two, while Russia, North Korea, and Greece each took one.

The full list of 2025 world champions:

  • 57 kg: Chong Song Han (North Korea)

  • 61 kg: Zaur Uguev (Russia)

  • 65 kg: Rahman Amouzad (Iran)

  • 70 kg: Yoshinosuke Aoyagi (Japan)

  • 74 kg: Kota Takahashi (Japan)

  • 79 kg: Georgios Kougioumtsidis (Greece)

  • 86 kg: Zahid Valencia (USA)

  • 92 kg: Trent Hidlay (USA)

  • 97 kg: Kyle Snyder (USA)

  • 125 kg: Amir Hossein Zare (Iran)

    That means Asia took 5 golds, America 3, and Europe only 2 — a dramatic decline for a continent that once dominated the mats.

    Europe’s Decline: Russia No Longer Carrying the Weight

    For decades, European wrestling success has relied heavily on Russia’s powerhouse program, which consistently produced multiple world champions.
    But when Russia struggles — or is absent due to international restrictions — the entire continent’s medal count plummets.

    Even in 2022, when Russian wrestlers were banned from international competition, Europe managed only two gold medals:

    • Zelimkhan Abakarov, a Russian-born athlete competing for Albania (57 kg)

    • Taha Akgül of Turkey (125 kg)

    Now, with Russia back but less dominant, and other European nations failing to fill the gap, Europe’s overall output has reached its lowest point in ten years.

    A Changing Power Map in Freestyle Wrestling

    The 2025 World Championships confirm a broader trend:

    • Asia has emerged as the new wrestling powerhouse, led by Iran, Japan, and North Korea.

    • The United States remains the dominant force in the Western Hemisphere, continuing its golden run with three champions — Zahid Valencia, Trent Hidlay, and Kyle Snyder.

    • Europe, despite its history and resources, is rapidly losing ground.

    As global wrestling approaches the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Europe’s federations face an urgent question:
    Can they rebuild a system capable of challenging Asia and the Americas again — or will they continue to fade from wrestling’s top podiums?

Marzieh DARABI