Battle of Los Angeles (professional wrestling)

The Battle of Los Angeles (BOLA) is a professional wrestling tournament held annually by Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG). It is considered one of the most prestigious independent wrestling tournaments in the world, drawing top talent from various promotions internationally. The tournament typically features a large number of wrestlers, often exceeding 32, competing in a single-elimination bracket.

The event's name is a reference to the 1942 Battle of Los Angeles, though the connection is largely thematic, evoking a sense of large-scale conflict and intense competition. The tournament is known for its high-octane matches, featuring a blend of established stars and rising independent talents. Winners of the tournament have gone on to achieve significant success in major promotions like Ring of Honor, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and WWE.

The BOLA typically spans two nights, with the first night consisting of preliminary matches to narrow down the field. The finals are usually contested on the second night, culminating in the crowning of a victor who receives the BOLA trophy.

While the tournament's format remains consistent in its single-elimination structure, the specific participant list varies each year, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of the independent wrestling scene. The event is widely celebrated amongst wrestling fans for the quality of its matches and the opportunity to witness rising stars before they reach mainstream prominence.