The mats are set and the stakes are high as the second-annual National Duals Invitational prepares to take over Tulsa this December. With a powerhouse field of 16 teams announced Tuesday, this tournament is shaping up to be a can't-miss event for wrestling fans everywhere.
Headlining the action at the BOK Center on December 12-13 are two of the sport's biggest names: defending champion Ohio State and NCAA runner-up Oklahoma State. The Cowboys, backed by a passionate home-state crowd, will be looking to reclaim their spot at the top, while the Buckeyes aim to prove their title was no fluke.
But the competition doesn't stop there. Joining them is a stacked lineup that reads like a who's who of college wrestling: Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Iowa State, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Stanford, Little Rock, Pitt, Rutgers, and Maryland. Each program brings its own unique style and tradition, guaranteeing fireworks from the first whistle to the last.
What makes this event truly unique is the prize money. Sponsored by Paycom, the total purse has been bumped to $1.23 million, with the champion's share now sitting at an impressive $250,000. Every team walks away with $20,000 just for showing up, and there's even more cash up for grabs through team takedown bonuses and payouts for the top eight finishers. It's a format that rewards both performance and aggression—perfect for the duals style of competition.
"Seeing this caliber of programs commit so quickly reinforces what we're building in Tulsa," said tournament director Matt Surber. "The National Duals Invitational is bringing together some of the most historic programs to compete for significant prize money in the exciting duals format. We expect this tournament to continue elevating the sport of college wrestling."
For fans, this is more than just a tournament—it's a weekend of high-energy wrestling that showcases the very best of collegiate competition. Whether you're a die-hard fan of a specific program or just love the sport, the atmosphere at the BOK Center promises to be electric.
Tickets go on sale May 26 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster or the BOK Center box office. Mark your calendars, grab your gear, and get ready for two days of nonstop wrestling action that will have you on the edge of your seat.