The 2025 US Open Wrestling Championships are going down April 23–27 in Las Vegas, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most stacked events of the year. The men’s freestyle action hits the mat from April 23 to April 27, and here’s the kicker—the winner at each weight punches their ticket to Final X. But even before the first whistle, things are heating up fast. Especially over at the Nittany Lions Wrestling Club. And guess what? They’re not done stacking the deck.

NLWC just added two of their biggest names, Kyle Dake and Kyle Snyder, to the Open lineup. Dake’s going at 86kg, which instantly spices things up in one of the deepest weights out there. He’s had some big-time showdowns in that class—remember those wild battles with David Taylor and J’den Cox? The guy’s a four-time world champ for a reason, and he’s never one to shy away from a fight.

And of course, Kyle Snyder’s back at 97kg, where he’s been a steady powerhouse for years. Olympic gold in 2016, three world titles, and a career that’s made him one of the most consistent guys in the game. He joined NLWC in 2019 and has been anchoring their squad ever since. The U.S. Open isn’t just another tournament—it’s a serious tune-up.

And with Dake and Snyder in the mix, you can bet all eyes will be on that Vegas mat. But hold up—don’t count out the other wrestlers in the 86 kg and 97 kg fields just yet. These divisions are loaded with talent, and it’s no cakewalk for anyone to claim the top spot.

The Dark Horse in the 86 kg Race for the World Team Spot

Regarding who can be the biggest competition to Kyle Dake at the 2025 U.S. Open in the 86 kg weight class, there’s no shortage of formidable opponents. The two-time NCAA champion Zahid Valencia and experienced freestyle wrestler Chance Marsteller stand among those elite wrestlers competing for the number one position.

Dake might rank as the toughest competitor, but Valencia and Marsteller demonstrate sufficient skills to challenge him. The decisive competition sequences between competitors will establish which wrestlers possess genuine potential to compete for a world team slot. In addition to those two, Parker Keckeisen from Northern Iowa shows potential to become a prominent figure in the 86 kg weight class.

Keckeisen completed his exceptional college wrestling career by earning five All-American accolades along with his 1st place finish in 2024 before moving forward to fight against the elite freestylers. His college viability, combined with his solid history, makes Keckeisen an interesting dark horse who could surprise rivals and earn a spot on the world team selection despite his underdog status to Dake.

Meanwhile, the 97 kg weight class features its share of entrants preparing to compete. Massoma Endene from Wartburg College stands out as the most fascinating wrestler in this division. Endene brings unprecedented success from his college wrestling record without defeat, along with championship wins, while earning the U23 World Team spot through victories against Division 1 competitors.

But the real competition for him might come from Jay Aiello because Aiello excels in freestyle competitions and has a bronze at the U23 World Championships. And now, as Kyle Snyder enters, it could elevate the competition to another level. Snyder’s three world titles and Olympic gold make him a formidable opponent in any tournament, and his presence in the 97 kg division would certainly make things more intense for Endene and the others vying for the top spot.