Written by Ryan Lance.

Ten matches, 10 chances to prove you are one of the top youth wrestlers in the country. That is what more than 1,800 middle school and elementary school wrestlers will have the opportunity to do later today when the 2017 VAC Holiday Duals begin at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in Virginia Beach, VA.

Watch all of the action all weekend LIVE HERE.

Year in and year out, this event is known for bringing together the best youth wrestlers in the country, as teams are guaranteed 10 matches throughout the three-day event. Wrestlers will have the opportunity to take on some of the best competition in their respective weight classes and by the end of the weekend will have a good understanding of where they stand in terms of caliber and ranking.

Later today wrestlers from 60 all-star or state-selected dual teams will take to the mats to try and claim victory and capture a 2017 VAC Holiday National Dual Championship.

Below, we are going to take a look at a handful of teams to keep an eye on and the wrestlers who should lead these teams deep into the event.

Buxton Extreme

The defending VAC Holiday Dual national champions Buxton Extreme (formerly Buxton Brawlers) will be in prime position for a repeat title run, as they have reloaded with a roster full of talent from top to bottom.

Leading the way for Buxton Extreme will be nationally ranked Nic Allison, Florida high school state champion Nic Bouzakis, Trinity Award winner Rylan Rogers, and freestyle and Greco national champion Noah Pettigrew.

Scorpions Dynasty Gold

The national runner-up from a season ago, Scorpions Dynasty Gold, will also be poised to make a deep run this year.

The Scorpions Dynasty Gold team features No. 22-ranked wrestler Nick Fea. He is joined by nationally ranked Super 32 champion Jesse Mendez at 119 pounds and 80-pound freestyle national champion Chris Martino.

Cali Gold

Another team to watch is Cali Gold, which is led by one of the top youth wrestlers in the country in 150-pounder Robert Paul Perez III. The National Triple Crown winner is joined by folkstyle national champion Aden Valencia and USAW Preseason National champion Angelo Ferrari.

Kansas Marshals

The Kansas Marshals are a new team competing this weekend. They are led by 80-pound Trinity Award winner Christopher Coates. He is joined by 84-pound folkstyle national champion Horacio Godinez and 230-pound Super 32 champion Kaden Glass.

Other teams to keep an eye on include California Gold, Pennsylvania Gold, Mile High Gold, and Iowa Black. Each of these teams, along with a handful of others, features talent and depth — which is important in making a deep run in this event.