Final X is Saturday, June 19, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and will be streamed LIVE on FloWrestling. Final X determines the 2026 U.S. Senior World teams in two Olympic disciplines: men’s and women’s freestyle.
Below is a women’s freestyle preview of the 55-kilogram match between Everest Leydecker and Areana Villaescusa.
Key Credentials
Everest Leydecker, 18
2026 US Open champion
2025 U20 World champion
2024 U17 World Teamer (did not compete)
4x Who’s Number One winner (2022-25)
2024 Super 32 champion
2022 16U National champion
Areana Villaescusa, 29
2026 Zagreb Open bronze medalist
2025 Zabreb Open bronze medalist
2024 Senior World Team (5th)
2024 World Team Trials champion
2x US Open finalist (2020, 2026)
Match History: Leydecker leads, 2-0
2026 US Open finals: Leydkecker over Villascusa, 4-1
2025 US Open semifinals: Leydecker over Villaescusa, 2-1
How They Reached Final X
Leydecker reached Final X by winning the 2026 US Open. She defeated Cali Leng (10-0), Annesley Day (Fall 2:57), Marissa Gallegos (11-0), and Areana Villaescusa (4-1).
Villaescusa reached Final X by winning the 2026 World Team Trials Challenge Tournament. She defeated Sara Sterner (12-6) and Alex Hedrick (6-0).
What Should You Expect?
Expect game planning. Lots and lots of game planning.
Villaescusa is part of the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, and the coaches there are good at scouting opponents. That’s especially important during a best-of-three series when adjustments are made from one match to the next.
Leydecker’s camp is also good at game planning, and the 18-year-old is known for making in-match adjustments.
After making the 2024 World Team, Villaescusa said she thrives in deep waters and that her cardio is better than anyone’s in the world. That will come in handy against a wrestling junkie like Leydecker.
The Valiant Prep star has a gas tank, too — and she likes to explore new positions and can win long, extended scrambles. She is good at match tactics and will stay patient in situations that others might become impatient in.
Based on match history, it feels like this will be a controlled, tactical match. Villaescusa had a 3-0 lead during her bronze medal match at the 2024 World Championships, but ultimately fell 4-3 after a late takedown. She’s an elite-level competitor who has a real shot at making this team. Villaescusa won an 11-8 shootout with Amanda Martinez at the 2024 World Team Trials, so we know she's resilient.
Leydecker is a star on the rise who makes year-over-year improvements. She won the Pan-Am Championships, US Open, Zagreb Open, Bill Farrell Memorial International, U20 World Championships, and her fourth Who’s Number One within the past 365 days.
Making her first Senior World Team is the first step to a promising career for Leydecker.
Watch Leydecker dominate her way to the 2026 Pan-Am Championships
Areana Villaescusa won a shootout against Amanda Martinez at the 2024 World Team Trials