Who's Number One Wrestling Returns to Oklahoma With Iowa Stars in the Spotlight

America's premier high school wrestling event, Who's Number One presented by Cliff Keen, returns for its 14th edition on September 26 at historic Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The event has become the definitive answer to the question every wrestling fan wants answered: who truly is the best high school wrestler in the nation at each weight class?

For Iowa wrestling fans, this year's event carries special significance. The 2025 edition took place at Xtream Arena in Coralville, and the 2026 card features several competitors with strong Hawkeye State connections, including future Cy-Hawk rivals facing off in the co-main event.

How Who's Number One Began

Before Jordan Burroughs won Olympic gold and before the event became a wrestling institution, FloWrestling identified a glaring gap in the sport: there was no national high school all-star event determining the true number one wrestler at each weight class.

The Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic had operated for decades, and regional events existed across the country. But FloWrestling saw an opportunity to create something bigger, something that would settle the debate once and for all.

The Rankings Problem That Sparked an Idea

The concept emerged from a practical challenge. When FloWrestling published its first national high school rankings before the fall season, wrestlers were changing weights and there were few head-to-head matches between highly ranked competitors.

The higher the ranking, the more important accuracy becomes. So FloWrestling devised an elegant solution: pit the top two ranked wrestlers against each other at every weight class in a single showcase event. Who's Number One was born.

A Decade Plus of Wrestling History

Since 2013, the event has grown from a novel concept into the crown jewel of high school wrestling. More than 200 matches across 13 editions have produced legendary moments and launched the careers of Olympic champions, world medalists, and NCAA title winners.

Early Years at the Snakepit

The inaugural event took place at Lehigh's historic Grace Hall, affectionately known as the Snakepit, where it remained for five years. Future NCAA champions Seth Gross and Jason Nolf competed in that first edition.

In 2014, Nick Suriano and Daton Fix made history in a savage 35-minute match under folkstyle rules with no step out and unlimited overtime. That same year, future two-time NCAA champion Zahid Valencia defeated Myles Martin.

The 2015 event featured a 15-year-old heavyweight prodigy named Gable Steveson, who defeated Jordan Wood before going on to win two Hodge Trophies and Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Expansion and Innovation

Who's Number One hosted its first girls' match in 2017, with future collegiate national champ Gracie Figueroa defeating future two-time world medalist Macey Kilty.

In 2018, the event created its first four-man bracket when too much talent emerged at 138 pounds. JoJo Aragona won two bouts to claim the top ranking.

Iowa Connections Run Deep

The event first came to Iowa in 2019, when Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City hosted the first Who's Number One outside the Snakepit. That year featured a four-man group with Shayne Van Ness defeating Dom Serrano and Jesse Mendez to claim the number one ranking.

In 2020, the pandemic forced a closed set in Austin, Texas, but the wrestling continued. Jesse Mendez, Drake Ayala, and Alex Facundo closed the event with three straight overtime victories.

The 2025 edition returned to Iowa at Xtream Arena in Coralville. That event saw Leydecker win her fourth straight Who's Number One, joining Anthony Knox as the first four-time winners. Bo Bassett closed out his WNO career with an injury default over Jordyn Raney.

What to Watch in 2026

This year's event moves to Gallagher-Iba Arena, home of Oklahoma State wrestling, for the first time. The co-main event features future Cy-Hawk rivals, as Iowa State commit Coby Merrill faces Iowa commit Michael Mocco.

For Iowa fans, the matchup offers an early preview of one of the state's most anticipated collegiate rivalries. The event will stream live on FloWrestling.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is Who's Number One 2026?

The event takes place September 26 at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and will stream live on FloWrestling.

How are wrestlers selected for Who's Number One?

The top two ranked high school wrestlers at each weight class are invited to compete head-to-head to determine the true number one ranking.

Which Iowa wrestlers have competed at Who's Number One?

Drake Ayala competed in 2020, and the 2025 event at Xtream Arena featured several future Iowa college wrestlers. This year's co-main event features Iowa commit Michael Mocco.