World Of Wrestling Kicks Off At Tulsa's Expo Square

Wrestlers from across the country are competing in Tulsa this weekend.

Now going on 67 years, World of Wrestling's Tulsa Nationals hosts youth and teenage wrestlers.

Tournaments kicked off Friday morning with age eight and under groups.

Competitors from 46 states will be wrestling at Expo Pavilion all weekend.

Eleven mats cover the floor as crowds fill the seats and sidelines to watch.

Close to 2,400 wrestlers ages 15 and under are competing in this year's Tulsa Nationals.

Executive Director Shane Roller says the wrestlers prepare all year. Some of the youngest contestants are five or six years old.

"It's the premiere youth event in the country,” said Roller.

He said after this, many will go back home to compete for a state title near the end of next month.

"This is one that the kids train for to try to win to become a national champion at the youth age group,” Roller said.

Organizers said this weekend gives a major boost to Tulsa, with the Chili Bowl happening too.

Roller said Tulsa Nationals will likely have a $12 million impact on the city, but the biggest impact could be kids competing.

"A lot of superstars of the sport come back to coach youth programs and it's really cool to see them all here over the weekend,” Roller said. "Probably more than any other sport, we have Olympic champions and stuff coming back to coach youth kids."

Tournaments are open for anyone to watch going on until 10:30 p.m. January 14 and all-day January 15.

Finals and closing ceremonies are on January 16, where the top six wrestlers will be announced.