Thirteen-year-old Cruz Hooper has been named to Team USA and will represent the United States at the 2025 UWW Grappling World Championships in Loutraki, Greece. He is among a select group of youth athletes competing in the international event, scheduled for November 1–4 and featuring contenders from more than 30 countries. Hosted by United World Wrestling (UWW), the global governing body for Olympic and non-Olympic wrestling disciplines, the tournament launches an international platform for youth grapplers with the debut of the 15 & Under category. Earlier this summer, Hooper secured his spot on Team USA with a standout performance at the USA Grappling World Team Trials, the national qualifier for UWW-sanctioned events. Together, these encounters have amplified his status as one of the most recognizable youth athletes in the U.S. jiu-jitsu scene.