While we await the first whistle of this year's Midlands, all we can do is speculate about the potential showdowns we will see on Dec. 29-30 at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, IL. 

And as we grow closer and closer to the action, let's take a look at some of the top contenders who will be battling at this year's tournament.

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Note: True freshmen Spencer Lee of Iowa and Mikey Labriola of Nebraska will also be in action in the Midlands' 125lb and 174lb brackets, respectively.

125lb

How will Nick Suriano of @RUWrestling fare in his first-ever Midlands? ?#Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/30OHUm3SJ9

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 21, 2017

133lb

Last year, Seth Gross placed third at Midlands. What about this year? #Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/q09gHfCC2e

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 22, 2017

141lb

One thing is for sure. We will have a first-time champion at 141 lbs. this year at #Midlands55. pic.twitter.com/HaHLLQo8MV

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 22, 2017

149lb

Some questions to be answered in about a weeks' time:

• Will @bj_sorensen win his 3rd-straight championship?
• Will @JasonTsirtsis place for the 6th time?
• Will @RyanDeakinn defend his home territory?

HIGH DRAMA. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/3kiTrtJAni

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 23, 2017

157lb

Michael Kemerer is the reigning champ.

Will he be dethroned? ?‍♂️#Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/kXvYwWGkJ4

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 23, 2017

165lb

Will @Imar165 become the 44th three-time champion of the Midlands? Only time will tell ⏱#Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/u6iTPuqiQM

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 23, 2017

174lb

Is anyone going to top the reigning champ and No. 1-ranked Zahid Valencia next week? #Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/fNQyi09feF

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 24, 2017

184lb

Who ya got at 184? ?#Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/BixLlFpJIi

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 24, 2017

197lb

Last year, Nate Rotert came up just short.

Will #Midlands55 be his year? ? pic.twitter.com/y2TUgNYTuw

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 24, 2017

285lb

Last but not least.

Who's got the advantage at heavyweight? #Midlands55 pic.twitter.com/CG8lxKKJ4u

— The Midlands (@MidlandsChamps) December 24, 2017