Venezuela has a long and proud tradition of wrestling excellence, producing some of the world’s greatest wrestlers.
As a country with a deep-rooted and passionate wrestling culture, Venezuela has a rich history of outstanding wrestlers, from Olympic and World Champions to world-renowned professionals.
We will take a look at some of the best wrestling players in Venezuela and the accomplishments that have made them stand out from the rest.
1. Eddy Bartolozzi
Eddy Bartolozzi is a Venezuelan professional wrestler. He is a well-known figure in his country and has been an active competitor in the Greco-Roman style of wrestling for many years. At the 2000 Summer Olympics, Bartolozzi competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 85 kg category.
This is a weight class for wrestlers of between 77 and 85 kilograms in weight. Greco-Roman wrestling is a form of wrestling that emphasizes throws and holds, and is distinct from freestyle wrestling.
Bartolozzi had trained hard for the Olympics and was hoping to bring a medal home to Venezuela. Unfortunately, he was unable to achieve a podium finish, but his participation provided a sense of national pride and inspired many young wrestlers to follow in his footsteps.
2. Ciclón Negro
Ramon Eduardo Rodriguez was a professional wrestler of international renown who achieved a good amount of popularity and recognition in the 1970s. He was better known by his ring name Ciclón Negro, and originally hailed from Venezuela.
During his career, he toured extensively throughout different countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Puerto Rico, and the United States. His popularity and recognition were so great that he achieved a good amount of fame not only in his home country but also abroad.
Ciclón Negro was considered a master of lucha libre, the freestyle wrestling style native to Mexico. He was known for his unique style and innovative moves and was highly respected by his peers and fans alike.
He was also known for his incredible strength and athleticism, making him a formidable opponent in the ring. His matches were always highly entertaining and often left the audience wanting more. Ciclón Negro had a long and successful career and was beloved all over the world.
He was a true pioneer in the world of professional wrestling, and his legacy will live on for many years to come. He is remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of watching him in the ring, or even just knowing his name.
3. Pio Chirinos
Pio Chirinos is a Venezuelan wrestler who made his mark in the 1952 Summer Olympics. He participated in the men’s freestyle middleweight category, which is one of the most competitive divisions of wrestling.
The men’s freestyle middleweight division requires wrestlers to have a certain level of technique and conditioning. It is a physically demanding event that separates the best from the rest. Chirinos was one of the top contenders in the event, and he represented Venezuela proudly.
He was determined to make an impact at the Olympics and worked hard to prepare for the competition. He put forth his best efforts to make sure he was in top condition for the event.
Despite his hard work and dedication, Chirinos did not receive a medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics. However, he made an impression on the world stage and was a source of pride for his home country.
4. Nestor García
Nestor García is a Venezuelan wrestler who has made a name for himself in the sport. He gained notoriety when he competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 74 kg category at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
García entered the competition as a relative unknown in the wrestling world, but he quickly made a name for himself with his impressive performance.
He went on to become one of Venezuela’s most successful competitors in the event, pushing himself to the limits in order to achieve his goals. His determination and drive to succeed served as an inspiration to many, and he was able to make a lasting impression on the sport.
In the end, García’s hard work paid off, as he was able to make a name for himself at the Olympics and become one of Venezuela’s most successful wrestlers.
5. Elias Marcano
Elias Marcano is a Venezuelan wrestler who participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics. He competed in the men’s Greco-Roman 82 kg division. Greco-Roman wrestling is an ancient form of wrestling and is one of the four styles of wrestling that are contested in the Olympics.
It is a form of grappling where holds and throws are allowed above the waist, and is based on the concept of using the upper body to control the opponent rather than relying on strength and technique used in other forms of wrestling.
Marcano was one of the many athletes who competed in the Greco-Roman 82 kg division at the 1996 Summer Olympics. He was part of the Venezuelan team and competed against athletes from around the world.
Marcano’s participation in the Olympics was a great achievement for him and for the nation of Venezuela. He was able to show the world that Venezuelan wrestlers can compete and excel at the highest level of competition.
6. César Ferreras
César Ferreras was a Venezuelan wrestler who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
He was a light heavyweight freestyle wrestler, meaning he was a wrestler who competed in a weight class between 76-87 kilograms. Ferreras was one of the first Venezuelan wrestlers to compete at the Olympics, and he was the only Venezuelan wrestler to compete at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
He was one of the few athletes from Latin America to compete in the Olympics during this time, as countries from the region were not as represented as they are today. Unfortunately, Ferreras did not win any medals at the 1960 Olympics.
However, he made history by representing his country and inspiring future generations of wrestlers from Latin America. He was a pioneer in his sport and an example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
His legacy still continues to live on today, as he is remembered for his accomplishments and for helping to pave the way for other athletes from Latin America.
7. Rodolfo Padron
Rodolfo Padron was a Venezuelan wrestler, hailing from the country’s capital city of Caracas. He was an Olympic athlete, competing in the men’s freestyle light heavyweight category at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
Padron was one of the top contenders in the event, and he achieved a great deal of success in his field.
He was a pioneer in the sport of wrestling, and he was the first Venezuelan to compete in the Olympics in the freestyle light heavyweight category. Padron was known for his technical skill and agility, and he was respected by his peers and fans alike.
He represented his country with pride and dignity, and he was a great ambassador for the sport. He was passionate about wrestling and dedicated himself to training hard in order to become the best.
He was determined to prove himself and was successful in doing so, earning a great deal of respect from the Olympic community. Padron’s accomplishments in the sport made him a household name in Venezuela and beyond.
He made an impact on the Olympic Games and inspired countless athletes to follow in his footsteps. He was a true champion and a great representative of his country.
His legacy lives on in the sport of wrestling and in the hearts of many who were inspired by his dedication and determination.
8. Luis Vivenes
Luis Felipe Vivénes Urbanesa is a talented amateur wrestler from Venezuela. He competes in the men’s heavyweight division and has achieved considerable success at both the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
At the Pan American Games, he won two medals in his division, and at the Central American and Caribbean Games, he won two more medals. This is an impressive feat and testament to his ability as a wrestler.
Vivénes Urbanesa has certainly made a name for himself in the sport of freestyle wrestling. He is an outstanding athlete and an inspiration to many.
9. Maximo Blanco
Maximo Blanco is a professional mixed martial artist from Venezuela. He has been competing in the sport since 2008 and has fought in a variety of promotions, including the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Pancrase, Strikeforce, and World Victory Road.
He is a former Lightweight King of Pancrase and has most recently competed in the Featherweight division of the UFC. Blanco is known for his aggressive and explosive fighting style, which has earned him many victories in the MMA world.
He is a highly skilled and experienced competitor, and his fights are always exciting to watch.
10. Jarismit Weffer Guanipa
Jaramit Weffer is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics. She was part of the women’s freestyle 75 kg event, which is a weight class for female wrestlers in the Olympics.
During the event, she was eliminated in the round of 16 by a fellow competitor, Annabelle Ali. This means that she was unable to advance to the quarterfinals. Weffer has been a successful freestyle wrestler for years.
She has won multiple medals in international competitions and has been a part of the Venezuelan national team since 2012.
Despite her success, she was unable to advance past the round of 16 in the Olympics, which was a disappointment for her and her supporters. Despite the setback, Weffer is still dedicated to her sport and will continue to pursue her Olympic dreams.
She is a great example of how dedication and hard work can pay off, even when the odds are stacked against you. Weffer is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, and she will continue to be an important part of the Venezuelan wrestling team.
11. Raiber Jose Rodriguez Orozco
Raiber Rodríguez Orozco is a Venezuelan Greco-Roman wrestler who competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He participated in the men’s Greco-Roman 59 kg event, where he was pitted against Rovshan Bayramov of Azerbaijan.
Unfortunately, Orozco was unable to defeat Bayramov and was eliminated from the competition. Orozco is a highly decorated wrestler, having won gold medals in the 2013 and 2015 Pan American Wrestling Championships.
He also won a silver medal in the 2014 Wrestling World Cup and a bronze medal in the 2014 Central American and Caribbean Games.
He also competed in the 2015 World Wrestling Championships, where he placed tenth. Although Orozco was not able to make it past the preliminary rounds in the 2016 Summer Olympics, his impressive career highlights show that he is a talented and dedicated wrestler.
His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport and serve as an inspiration to other aspiring wrestlers.
12. Luillys Pérez
Luillys Pérez is an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Venezuela. He had the opportunity to compete in the 98 kg Greco-Roman event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, Pérez was eliminated in the round of 16 by Ghasem Rezaei, an Iranian wrestler.
Despite this unfortunate result, Pérez has gone on to become a successful wrestler, having achieved numerous medals and awards in both national and international competitions.
He is an inspiration to other young aspiring wrestlers, who look up to him for his achievements and perseverance.
13. Rafael Barreno
Rafael Barreno Martínez is a Venezuelan amateur Greco-Roman wrestler. He competes in the men’s super heavyweight category, which is the highest weight class in Greco-Roman wrestling.
This means that he is the heaviest wrestler in the competition and likely has a significant size advantage over his opponents.
Greco-Roman wrestling is a type of wrestling that focuses on using holds and techniques above the waist, which gives the competitors the advantage of being able to control their opponent’s upper body movements.
As an amateur, Barreno Martínez is not paid to wrestle and therefore dedicates his time to the sport out of passion and dedication. He is likely well-respected in the Greco-Roman wrestling community for his commitment and skill.
14. Betzabeth Argüello
Betzabeth Argüello is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler who has achieved a great deal of success in her career.
She competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women’s freestyle 53 kg event, where she narrowly missed out on a bronze medal after losing the bronze medal match to Nataliya Synyshyn.
Despite the disappointment, Argüello was determined to keep pushing, and her hard work paid off when she won the gold medal in her event at the 2017 Bolivarian Games held in Santa Marta, Colombia.
This victory was a testament to her dedication and commitment to the sport, and she is an excellent example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
15. Marcia Yuleisi Andrades Mendoza
Marcia Yuleisi Andrades Mendoza is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler who has competed in the Olympics on two occasions. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she competed in the freestyle 55 kg event but was eliminated by Valeria Zholobova in the qualifications.
Her 2008 Olympics performance saw her competing in the same event as she did in 2012, but she was eliminated in the qualifications by Ludmila Cristea. Andrades was born in Cumaná, Venezuela and has been involved in wrestling since an early age.
She has trained extensively in the sport and is well-known for her skill and determination to succeed. In addition to her Olympic appearances, she has also won several medals in regional and international competitions.
Her dedication to the sport has earned her international acclaim and recognition.
16. Mayelis Yesenia Caripa Castillo
Mayelis Yesenia Caripá Castillo is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler who has competed in the Olympics three times – 2004, 2008 and 2012. During the 2004 Olympics, she competed in the 48 kg freestyle event but was unsuccessful in advancing out of her pool.
At the 2008 Olympics, she faced off against Vanessa Boubryemm in the first round of the 48 kg event but lost. Despite this, she was still determined to pursue a career in freestyle wrestling, which is why she returned to the Olympics in 2012.
It is a testament to her dedication and determination that she has been able to compete in the Olympics on multiple occasions and her perseverance is admirable.
17. Luis Ygnacio Liendo
Luis Ygnacio Liendo is an amateur Greco-Roman wrestler from Venezuela. He competes in the lightweight division for men. Liendo has achieved great success at the 2003 and 2007 Pan American Games.
In 2003, he won a bronze medal for the 60 kg division at the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Four years later, Liendo won another bronze medal for the same division at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
His performance at these two major competitions is a testament to his dedication and skill as a Greco-Roman wrestler. He is an admirable and inspiring athlete who has achieved remarkable success in his sport.
18. Erwin Jose Caraballo Cabrera
Erwin José Caraballo Cabrera is an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Venezuela. He specializes in the men’s heavyweight category and has achieved great success in his career.
In 2007, Caraballo won a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the 96 kg division. He repeated his success four years later at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, again winning a bronze medal in the same weight class.
Caraballo has demonstrated his prowess in Greco-Roman wrestling and is a highly decorated athlete. His two bronze medals demonstrate his commitment to his sport and have surely inspired many other Venezuelan athletes to strive for greatness.
Caraballo has certainly made his country proud with his accomplishments and is a true example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
19. Ricardo Antonio Roberty Moreno
Ricardo Antonio Roberty Moreno is an amateur freestyle wrestler from Venezuela. He has achieved success in his respective weight class, taking home a bronze medal in the 74kg weight division at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
This is a remarkable achievement for an amateur athlete, especially considering the level of competition at the Pan American Games. It speaks to the dedication and skill of Moreno, who has proven himself to be one of the top freestyle wrestlers in the world.
Moreno has undoubtedly set a high standard for other amateur wrestlers to strive for, and his accomplishments will serve as an inspiration to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.
20. Luis Avendaño
Luis Eduardo Avendaño Rojas is an accomplished Greco-Roman wrestler from Venezuela. His impressive list of achievements includes two gold medals at the Pan American Games; in 2019 in Lima, Peru and in 2022 in Asunción, Paraguay.
He has also earned two gold medals at the Pan American Wrestling Championships. His success in Greco-Roman wrestling is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and he is an inspiration to the wrestling community in Venezuela and beyond.
21. Pedro Mejías
Pedro Mejías is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler who has achieved an impressive list of accomplishments.
He is a two-time gold medalist at the South American Games, a bronze medalist at the Pan American Games, a two-time medalist at the Central American and Caribbean Games, and a four-time medalist at the Pan American Wrestling Championships.
This kind of success takes a great deal of dedication and hard work, and it is clear that Pedro Mejías has put in the effort to become one of the top wrestlers in the world. His impressive list of accomplishments speaks volumes about his dedication and skill.
He is a true testament to the dedication and hard work it takes to make it to the highest levels of international competition.
22. María Acosta
María Acosta is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler who has achieved great success in her career. She competed in the women’s freestyle 69 kg event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she was unfortunately eliminated in the round of 16 by Enas Mostafa.
Despite this setback, Acosta was able to pick herself up and succeeded in winning the silver medal in the same event at the 2015 Pan American Games.
This impressive feat is a testament to her determination and hard work and is a great source of pride for her home nation of Venezuela. Acosta continues to strive for success in the sport of freestyle wrestling and is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
23. José Daniel Díaz
José Daniel Díaz Robertti is a Venezuelan freestyle wrestler from an amateur background. He previously competed in the men’s light heavyweight division, before shifting his focus to the heavyweight category.
In 2011, Robertti achieved success in the light heavyweight division when he won a bronze medal at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
This was a significant accomplishment for Robertti, as it marked the first time a Venezuelan wrestler had won a medal at this international tournament.
He has since used this success as motivation to further his career in the heavyweight category, where he hopes to experience similar success.
24. Pedro Ceballos
Pedro Ceballos is an elite freestyle wrestler from Venezuela. He had the chance to compete in the 86 kg men’s freestyle event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, he lost the bronze medal match to Sharif Sharifov.
However, Ceballos was not discouraged and continued to pursue his wrestling career. He eventually achieved success in 2022 when he won the gold medal in his event at the Bolivarian Games held in Valledupar, Colombia.
This impressive feat was a testament to Pedro Ceballos’ dedication and determination to succeed in the sport of wrestling. He is a true inspiration to many aspiring wrestlers, showing that even after a setback, it is still possible to reach the highest level of success.
25. Moisés Pérez
Moisés Salvador Pérez Hellburg is an accomplished Venezuelan Greco-Roman wrestler who earned himself a silver medal at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.
His weight division for this tournament was 130 kg and he was able to make it to the final where unfortunately he was beat by Mijaín López of Cuba. Nevertheless, earning a silver medal is an impressive feat and Hellburg is rightfully proud of his accomplishment.
He has certainly proven himself to be at the top of his game when it comes to Greco-Roman wrestling.
26. Omar Atlas
Omar Mijares, better known by his ring name Omar Atlas, was a Venezuelan professional wrestler who had an illustrious career spanning four decades.
He competed in several major promotions including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), Stampede Wrestling, and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), from the late 1950s until the early 1990s.
During his time in the industry, he gained a reputation as an agile and skilled wrestler, taking part in some of the most iconic matches of the era. Mijares was a successful wrestler in both North American and international promotions.
He was highly decorated in the NWA, winning several championships and building a legacy for himself. He also found success in Stampede Wrestling, becoming the company’s first North American Heavyweight Champion in 1967.
In the WWF, Mijares was part of the first WrestleMania in 1985, competing in the main event against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T. Mijares retired from professional wrestling in the early 1990s, but his legacy still resonates in the industry.
He is widely considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and his impact on the sport is still felt today. He is remembered for his strong work ethic and passion for the sport, and he remains an inspiration for many aspiring wrestlers.
Conclusion
The best wrestling players in Venezuela are highly skilled and dedicated athletes who have achieved success on the international stage.
They have demonstrated their strength, speed, and heart with their impressive performances and they continue to be a source of pride and inspiration in the country.
Venezuela’s wrestling talent is unrivaled, and these athletes continue to show why they are some of the top wrestlers in the world.
