The 2024 Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational: A Showdown of Stars at 149-165 Pounds
Las Vegas is famous for its high-stakes games, and the 2024 Cliff Keen Invitational promises to bring that same energy to the mat. On December 6-7, the wrestling world will gather in Sin City for what’s shaping up to be the best in-season tournament of the year. While the brackets are still being finalized, early predictions for the 149-165 weight classes suggest a thrilling weekend of battles, upsets, and breakout performances.
Whether you’re here for the drama, the takedowns, or to settle heated rivalries, this year’s CKLV is guaranteed to deliver. Let’s dive into the storylines, key players, and the unpredictability that makes this tournament one of a kind.
149 Pounds: A Grudge Match Worth Watching
If rivalries fuel the fire of competition, then 149 pounds is ablaze. This weight class brings together some of the biggest names in college wrestling, headlined by Virginia Tech’s Caleb Henson and Nebraska’s Ridge Lovett. These two have history. Henson narrowly edged Lovett in the NCAA semifinals last year, but Lovett shocked the wrestling world by beating Henson at CKLV in a controversial match.
Henson, ranked #1, is a defending national champion and the clear favorite. His consistent dominance over opponents makes him the man to beat. Yet Lovett, ranked #5, is no stranger to big-match moments. His dynamic style and ability to rise to the occasion make him a serious contender to reclaim his CKLV title.
Don’t count out Ty Watters (#3), who enters as one of the most skilled wrestlers in this bracket, or Anthony Echemendia (#6), whose Cuban flair and aggressive takedown-heavy style make him a potential dark horse. Both wrestlers will need to elevate their performances to challenge the Henson-Lovett duopoly, but as we all know, anything can happen in Vegas.
The Wildcards at 149
Every tournament has its surprises, and the CKLV is famous for breakout stars. At #13, Colin Realbuto (Northern Iowa) is a seasoned competitor capable of pulling off upsets against higher-ranked opponents. He’s already notched wins over elite names like Sammy Sasso, and a strong performance this weekend could vault him into the national spotlight.
Then there’s Koy Buesgens (NC State), a redshirt freshman with a 10-3 record this season. CKLV often serves as a launchpad for young talent, and a few quality wins could set Buesgens up for a standout season. Expect plenty of scrappy, hard-fought matches as wrestlers at this level look to prove themselves on a big stage.
157 Pounds: A Balanced Bracket with Big Questions
The 157-pound division brings depth, talent, and more questions than answers. Leading the pack is Meyer Shapiro (#2, Cornell), who is the favorite—if he competes. Shapiro’s season has been interrupted by injuries, and his health remains uncertain. Should he step onto the mat, he’ll face stiff competition from a group of hungry contenders.
This weight class features a fascinating cluster of evenly matched wrestlers, including Ohio’s Peyten Kellar (#5), Northern Iowa’s Ryder Downey (#6), and Nebraska’s Antrell Taylor (#7). Each wrestler has the tools to win, but the real question is consistency. Downey is coming off a stellar Big 12 title run, while Taylor’s drop from 165 to 157 has so far been seamless. If anyone has the potential to surprise, it’s Taylor, whose undefeated start to the season includes decisive wins over tough opponents.
Dark Horses at 157
Paddy Gallagher (#8, Ohio State) and Ed Scott (#18, NC State) are two names to watch. Gallagher’s victory over Kellar at last year’s CKLV suggests he has the potential to punch above his weight. Meanwhile, Scott’s rocky start to the season belies his talent. He’s had success against this field in the past, and a strong showing here could restore his confidence and ranking.
Grigor Cholakyan (Stanford) is another wild card. As a true freshman, Cholakyan has already impressed with his flashy style and knack for big moves. He’s unranked for now, but don’t be surprised if he leaves Vegas with a number next to his name.
165 Pounds: A Field Wide Open
If 165 pounds feels like a free-for-all, that’s because it is. Unlike other weight classes, there’s no clear favorite. Instead, six wrestlers—Sammy Sasso (#3, Ohio State), Peyton Hall (#4, West Virginia), and Terrell Barraclough (#5, Utah Valley) among them—have an equal shot at winning.
Sasso’s return from injury is the biggest storyline here. After missing last season, the former NCAA finalist is working his way back to form. Hall and Barraclough, meanwhile, bring consistency and grit, making them formidable foes. Stanford’s Hunter Garvin (#6) and Cornell’s Julian Ramirez (#7) round out a bracket filled with evenly matched competitors.
The Breakout Stars at 165
Nicco Ruiz (Arizona State) and MJ Gaitan (Iowa State) are wrestlers with the potential to shake up the bracket. Ruiz has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career, while Gaitan’s aggressive style makes him a threat to anyone in the field. With no dominant force at 165, this weight class is primed for upsets and surprises.
A Weekend of High Stakes and Higher Drama
The Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational isn’t just a tournament; it’s a proving ground. Wrestlers come here to test themselves, settle scores, and make statements. With stacked brackets at 149, 157, and 165 pounds, this year’s CKLV promises nonstop excitement.
Whether you’re rooting for the favorites, cheering for the underdogs, or just here for the drama, one thing is certain: what happens in Vegas might not stay in Vegas, but it will leave us talking until March.