In the spring of 2013 the wrestling community was introduced to a new concept.  A series of wrestling events was proposed that sought to provide opportunities to former high school and college wrestlers to get back on the wrestling mat for competition.

Combining elements of Freestyle Olympic wrestling and Collegiate Folkstyle wrestling, the First2Ten scoring system was designed to create exciting, action packed matches for athletes and fans.  Not only does First2Ten seek to reward wrestlers that score points and falls but, with no clock, it requires them to score in order to win.

Scoring details – Click here

After a successful October 2013 Test Event where 25 Career Wrestlers took to the mat in the first ever First2Ten competition with a prize purse worth $12,500, the Association of Career Wrestlers (ACW) is excited to announce the official launch of the first two official events.

“The response following the Test Event was overwhelming” said Teague Moore.  “It was clear we had something the athletes, fans, and sponsors saw value in.  There were a lot of people that immediately wanted another event.  However, we worked on the concept for years before our Test Event and with as much care and consideration we took in developing the concept on paper, we didn’t want to rush into the launch just to find that there were issues we hadn’t considered.  We knew there would be things we would need to change to make Tour ACW a viable long term success.  We learned a lot from the Test Event!  While much of what made the Test Event a success will remain, we have made some minor changes that will improve our product for the athletes, sponsors, and fans.  We are really excited.”

In an effort to provide the maximum opportunities for athletes, weight classes for events will change from the Test Event and each subsequent event.  This change in weights from event to event is intended to provide a diverse mix of athletes at each Tour ACW event. A Champion at one event might not be as favored with just a 5 lbs. weight change therefore giving wrestling fans something to debate and cheer for.

“In addition to, again, presenting the weight class champions with $2,500, we will be extending prize money to the other three semi-finalist at each weight so that more athletes are able to leave with a check rewarding their efforts,” said Kyle N. Smith, co-founder of Tour ACW.  “Athletes who wrestle in the Semi-Finals will be guaranteed $200 for their efforts.”  The 2015 events will award $24,800 to wrestlers for their performance on the mat.  Including the Test Event, at the conclusion of 2015, the Association of Career Wrestlers will have awarded a grand total of $37,300 to Career Wrestlers.

The Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport’s Grand Ballroom will host Tour ACW Pittsburgh on May 17, 2015.  This is the same venue that served as host for the successful Test Event that earned Tour ACW “Innovator of the Year” honors from WIN Magazine.

On August 9, 2015, Tour ACW Washington, DC will be hosted at the Commonwealth Ballroom of the Sheraton Pentagon City.  “In an effort to ensure that athletes and fans are conveniently able to stay at the competition venue, each facility is providing special hotel lodging rates for Tour ACW,” Moore added. “We encourage all athletes and fans to join us on the property.”

“While the Pittsburgh event will look to feature amazing athletes on the national scale, we are excited to add a WPIAL Legends Night matchup to kick off the event in front of the local fans,” said Jeff Linn.  “It is certainly an exciting time to be part of Tour ACW.”

Fans unable to attend the event in person will be able to follow all of the action courtesy of a live video internet stream that will be broadcast free of charge to the wrestling community.

Tour ACW – Pittsburgh

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2015

Location: Hyatt Regency – Pittsburgh International Airport

Registration Opens: February 1, 2015

Weights Classes Contested: 130 LBS, 145 LBS, 165 LBS, 180 LBS

Tour ACW – Washington, DC

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2015

Location: Sheraton Pentagon City

Registration Opens: June 1, 2015

Weight Classes Contested: 140 LBS, 160 LBS, 185 LBS, 200 LBS

For more information on the Association of Career Wrestlers, visit http://TourACW.com and follow on Facebook or Twitter (@TourACW).