Who wins a wrestling bout if the score is tied?
I · Intermediate · Scoring and winning · 1 of 8If nobody is pinned, the wrestler with more points after two periods wins. There is no extra time. A tied score is settled by criteria: first the highest-value hold, then the fewest cautions, then who scored the last technical point.
How it works
The points of both periods are added together. If they are level, the winner is found by taking these in order:
- The action or hold of the highest value. A 2-point hold beats two 1-point scores.
- The greater number of holds of that highest value.
- The fewer cautions.
- The last technical point scored.
A special case at 1-1: if both points came from the opponent's passivity, the first point scored wins. If one point is technical, such as a step-out, and the other is not, the technical point wins.
The scoreboard shows who is ahead on criteria throughout the bout.
Tricky cases
Is there overtime?
No. The criteria decide a tied bout at the end of regular time.
It finished 2-2: one wrestler had a takedown, the other two step-outs. Who wins?
The wrestler with the takedown, because a 2-point action is the highest-value hold.
It finished 2-2 with a takedown each. Who wins?
If the cautions are also equal, the wrestler who scored last.
Why the rule exists
Criteria reward the bigger move and the cleaner record, and they mean the wrestler who is behind on criteria always knows they must attack.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| UWW rules, freestyle | As above | W 22; W 29 |
From the rule book
United World Wrestling International Wrestling Rules, Articles 22, 29 and 36. Edition dated January 2026. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: UWW International Wrestling Rules (PDF).