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An athlete in a wrestling singlet with "BASSETT USA" on the back stands in profile against an American flag backdrop, displaying a tattoo on their left arm.An athlete in a wrestling singlet with "BASSETT USA" on the back stands in profile against an American flag backdrop, displaying a tattoo on their left arm.
Ryan Hedley / Virginia Tech
Wrestling

Bassett punches his ticket to 2026 Senior World Championship

The Hokie makes third world team this summer; becomes the first senior world team member in program history

COLUMBUS, OH – Virginia Tech wrestling’s Bo Bassett continued his spectacular 2026 summer as he added 65-kilogram senior World Team member to his growing resume after defeating senior world bronze medalist Real Woods on Friday, September 25. The young Hokie took the best-of-three series in dominant fashion to make his third age group world team this summer for the United States. He joins assistant coach James Green (74-kilogram) on Team USA set to compete at the 2026 World Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan on October 28 – November 1.

Just over a month from capturing his U20 world title, Bassett carried momentum into the best of three series and put on a show against the returning world team member. Bassett took match one in a dominant 8-4 decision against the former NCAA finalist and four-time All-American to put himself one step closer to make his first senior level world team.

The second bout was a bit different as the young Hokie faced a 5-1 deficit before his trademark pace and style was felt into the second period. Bassett scored eight unanswered points before coming away with the 9-5 decision to make his third world time this summer in what has been a historic past two months for the Johnstown, PA native.

The freshman turns his sights to Las Vegas, NV for the 2026 U23 World Championships from October 17-18 as he looks to win his second world title this summer. Then it’ll be a quick turnaround to the Senior World Championships from October 29-November 1 in Kazakhstan before he begins his collegiate career.

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