The top map is just the 2014 NQs, the bottom maps is 2013 and 2014. Due to spatial concerns and visual representation, I had to crop out Hawaii, Mongolia and Russia. Sorry bros.

The other major caveat being that hometowns with multiple AQ’s only get one pin point, so some places will look under represented. I plotted the data from the Open Mat, who also handily provide this list off NQs with common hometowns. Thanks T.O.M.!

The I-95 corridor megalopolis is very well represented. Other hot spots include Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Chicago. Encouragingly, Florida, Atlanta and Colorado are making a push for wrestling relevancy. The Deep South continues to be a black hole for the sport, and Texas and the West Coast do not appear to be reaching their potential. Still, its nice to see a broad, nationwide distribution of the 330 (or 660) qualifiers. Who says wrestling is a niche sport? Oh right, I do, all the time.

Anyways, i also wanted to include these 3 maps, all zoomed into the same level of magnification, to show how many NQs come from within about a 2 hour drive from New York City, St Louis and Oklahoma City, just in case anyone was wondering why it’s an awesome idea to have the National Championship Tournament in Manhattan.

Hell yeah. In Neeeeeew Yooooooork! Concrete jungle where mats are rolled out! For championship bouts! Heeeeere in Neeeeew Yooooork! Neeeew Yoooork! Neeew Yoooork!

I am so ready for Koreatown Karaoke.

ps – smaller pic added to fit message board size limitations