Zagreb, Croatia, 2025-09-20
American wrestling superstar Kyle Snyder has cemented his legacy by winning his fourth career world title at the 2025 World Wrestling Championships in Zagreb, Croatia. The Olympic champion from Rio 2016 defeated Iran’s Amir Ali Azarpira with a 4-2 decision in the 97kg freestyle final. The victory not only adds to Snyder’s extensive list of accomplishments but also serves as a sweet victory, avenging his loss to Azarpira in the bronze-medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The win highlights Snyder’s enduring dominance in the sport and contributes to a strong showing by the U.S. men’s freestyle team.
A Match of Revenge and Redemption
The final match was a highly anticipated rematch between two of the world’s best wrestlers. Azarpira had defeated Snyder for the Olympic bronze in Paris 2024, but this time, Snyder was able to gain the upper hand. The American overcame a 2-1 deficit in the final seconds of the match, executing a late maneuver to secure the win and the world title.
“This one feels great,” Snyder said after the match. “I came here to win a world title and get back on top of the podium. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Snyder’s Legendary Career
Snyder’s victory in Zagreb adds to his already impressive resume, which includes an Olympic gold medal from the 2016 Rio Games. With his latest win, he has now captured four world titles, with his previous championships coming in 2015, 2017, and 2022. The win brings his total medal count at the World Championships to eight, solidifying his status as one of the most decorated wrestlers in American history.
