Elizbar Odikadze is one of the most consistent and resilient freestyle wrestlers to ever come out of Georgia. Known affectionately by fans as “Mr. Bronze” for his incredible ability to secure podium finishes, he has been a staple in the 97 kg weight class for over a decade.
While he might not always grab the headlines like the gold medalists, his career is a masterclass in persistence and toughness on the mat.
Elizbar Odikadze’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizbar Odikadze |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1989 |
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | Georgian |
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 97 kg (214 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 – $1 Million |
| Primary Sport | Freestyle Wrestling |
| Olympic Appearances | Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 |
Early Career
Elizbar Odikadze was born in Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, a country with a massive wrestling tradition. Growing up in the late 80s and 90s, he was surrounded by a culture that reveres combat sports.
Like many Georgian boys, he likely started on the mat at a very young age, influenced by the local popularity of “Chidaoba” (traditional Georgian wrestling) which serves as a base for many Olympic champions.
He didn’t burst onto the international junior scene with immediate dominance like some prodigies. Instead, his development was steady and hard-earned. He spent his early years grinding through the domestic Georgian circuit, which is incredibly competitive.
It took time for him to refine his technique to a level where he could represent his country on the senior stage, eventually earning his spot on the national team in his mid-20s.
Professional Career
Elizbar’s career is defined by remarkable consistency. He became a fixture at the European Championships, winning a bronze medal six consecutive times between 2016 and 2021.
This streak earned him a reputation as a guy who is always in the mix for a medal, even if gold often eluded him. His biggest global achievement came at the 2018 World Championships in Budapest, where he finally secured a World Bronze medal after years of close calls.
His Olympic journey has been heartbreakingly close to glory. In Rio 2016, he reached the semifinals but lost to the American legend Kyle Snyder, and then lost the bronze medal match, finishing 5th.
He repeated this 5th-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, again proving he was top-tier but just inches away from the podium.
By the time the 2024 Paris cycle came around, younger talent like Givi Matcharashvili began to take over the 97 kg spot for Georgia, shifting Elizbar into a veteran role.
Elizbar Odikadze’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Elizbar Odikadze’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 Million. While freestyle wrestling does not pay as highly as major team sports, successful Georgian wrestlers receive significant government support.
Career Earnings
| Year | Key Achievement | Estimated Earnings (bonuses) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | European Bronze, Olympic 5th Place | $20,000 |
| 2017 | European Bronze | $10,000 |
| 2018 | World Bronze, European Bronze | $40,000 |
| 2019 | European Bronze | $10,000 |
| 2020 | European Bronze | $10,000 |
| 2021 | European Bronze, Olympic 5th Place | $20,000 |
| Total | Est. Prize Money | $110,000+ (excluding monthly salary) |
Career Stats
| Event | Medal/Rank | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Championships | Bronze | 2018 | Budapest |
| European Championships | Bronze | 2016 | Riga |
| European Championships | Bronze | 2017 | Novi Sad |
| European Championships | Bronze | 2018 | Kaspiysk |
| European Championships | Bronze | 2019 | Bucharest |
| European Championships | Bronze | 2020 | Rome |
| European Championships | Bronze | 2021 | Warsaw |
| European Games | Silver | 2015 | Baku |
| Olympic Games | 5th Place | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro |
| Olympic Games | 5th Place | 2020 | Tokyo |
FAQ
1. Who is Elizbar Odikadze?
Elizbar Odikadze is a professional freestyle wrestler from Georgia who competes in the 97-kilogram weight class. He represents his country at major international tournaments, including the Olympic Games, and holds a reputation as a consistent medal contender in Europe.
2. What are Elizbar Odikadze’s biggest career achievements?
He won a bronze medal at the 2018 World Wrestling Championships in Budapest and has earned six bronze medals at the European Championships. These accomplishments prove his ability to perform at a high level and consistently finish on the podium.
3. How did Odikadze perform at the 2016 Rio Olympics?
The Georgian wrestler reached the semifinals in the 97 kg division but lost to American champion Kyle Snyder. He then competed in the bronze medal match against Albert Saritov of Romania but lost, finishing the tournament in fifth place.
4. Did he compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games?
Yes, Odikadze qualified for his second Olympics and wrestled in the 97 kg category in Tokyo. He advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Abdulrashid Sadulaev, and he later exited the competition after a defeat in the repechage round.
5. Which major rivals has Elizbar Odikadze faced?
He has battled against some of the world’s best wrestlers, including Olympic gold medalists Kyle Snyder and Abdulrashid Sadulaev. Odikadze also fought competitive matches against Sharif Sharifov and Albert Saritov, often meeting them during crucial medal rounds.
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