Yearly, athletes embark on their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey crammed with hope to make their desires come true and make historical past. With a month coming earlier than the World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025, grappling followers can’t assist however surprise who among the many Jiu-Jitsu stars (and rising stars) will but once more begin the main IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu competitors circuit calendar with a bang to pave their manner for an eventual Grand Slam. In the event you’re searching for the athletes to look at on the 2025 IBJJF World Championships, this text is your final information.
The IBJJF Main Competitors Circuit
Yearly, the IBJJF (Worldwide Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation) places up 4 main Gi competitions, particularly the European IBJJF Championships, Pan IBJJF Championships, Campeonato Brasileiro (CBJJ), and the IBJJF World Championships (to be held this Could 29 – June 1). These are thought-about probably the most prestigious Gi tournaments globally and are the go-to competitions {of professional} Jiu-Jitsu athletes who need to make a reputation within the sport.
Successful all these competitions is equal to successful the “Grand Slam” in Jiu-Jitsu and is the first objective of athletes trying to have their names engraved within the sport’s historical past. With the upcoming IBJJF Worlds, under are the ten athletes you must take into account watching.
1) Adam Wardzinski
Adam Wardzinski is the definition of arduous work and grit. He fought to the highest, changing into the most effective in his nation (Poland), Europe, and the world by successful the 2024 IBJJF World Championship. He’s thought to be considered one of this era’s prime heavyweight Gi opponents and is extensively identified for his butterfly sport with the Gi.
Above all, Adam is the primary European male to win an IBJJF black belt world title. He lately gained the 2024 Worlds, 2025 Europeans, and 2025 Pans. With the upcoming 2025 Brasileiro, will Adam proceed his momentum and win the IBJJF Grand Slam this yr? Let’s discover out quickly sufficient.
2) Diego “Pato” Oliveira
Like Adam, Diego Pato has additionally gained the 2024 Worlds and the 2025 Europeans and Pans and is on his option to the Grand Slam. He’s a three-time IBJJF World Champion and a two-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion. He’s extensively identified for his well-rounded grappling sport, which features a stable leg-lock assault and protection, grappling stand-up, and thrilling scrambles.
3) Gabi Pessanha
At solely 24, Gabi is likely one of the most dominant feminine Jiu-Jitsu opponents in historical past and has practically gained double gold in each main IBJJF competitors for the reason that pandemic. She has gained eight IBJJF World Championships (weight class and class), is an IBJJFNo-Gi World Champion, and is a multiple-time Grand Slam champion. Wanting unstoppable and at present on a successful streak, Gabi is on her manner and is trying to safe one other Grand Slam title.
4) Cole Abate
“Ice” Cole Abate is a younger phenom and BJJ star beneath AOJ (Artwork of Jiu-Jitsu) who’s beneath the tutelage of the Jiu-Jitsu legends, the Mendes brothers. He made his breakthrough by successful the ADCC East Coast Trials as a 16-year-old blue belt, beating veteran and black belt grapplers in his division. At solely 20, he’s already an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion and is now extensively referred to as one of many stars within the fashionable grappling world.
Cole has an entire play fashion and might maneuver his manner from guard to prime place. He has a finesse passing system, again takes, and sweeps.
5) Mica Galvao
At 21, Mica Galvao can also be among the many sport’s younger superstars. He is likely one of the youngest IBJJF World Champions, and in 2024, he achieved a feat that solely he and Rubens Charles have accomplished within the historical past of Jiu-Jitsu: successful the Tremendous Grand Slam (successful the 4 IBJJF main tournaments and the ADCC World Championship in a single season).
Mica has a dynamic play fashion that shows an explosive stand-up and submission sport the place he can make use of submissions from all angles, even in positions his opponents least count on.
6) Tainan Dalpra
Tainan Dalpra can also be one of many sport’s younger stars and is a product of AOJ and the Mendes brothers. He’s a two-time IBJJF World Champion and was one win away from successful the Grand Slam within the IBJJF World Championship in 2023. With a wholesome competitors yr forward, Tainan needs to beat extra championships within the IBJJF circuit.
Tainan performs a timing-based sport, partnered together with his wonderful passing and guard sport. He wrestles as much as take the highest place and works on his passing sequence from there.
7) Fabricio Andrey
Fabricio Andrey, also referred to as “Hokage,” is likely one of the most fun grapplers right now. He’s an IBJJF World Champion and an ADCC Brazilian Trials champion. At solely 25, Fabricio is trying to make an announcement, and his title echoes within the grappling world, particularly together with his present deal to compete beneath the ONE Championship banner.
Fabricio performs a dynamic sport. He employs an explosive stand-up sport like a wrestler who’s all the time ready to assault and counter from takedowns. He can hit leg locks nicely and submit his opponents with flashy submissions whereas outworking them with fixed strain.
8) Mayssa Bastos
At solely 27, Mayssa Bastos is already thought to be probably the greatest feminine Jiu-Jitsu athletes. She is a five-time IBJJF World Champion, four-time No-Gi World Champion, and multiple-time Pans, European, and Brazilian Nationals Champion. Regardless of being the smaller and lighter grappler, Mayssa is open to difficult herself to compete towards opponents within the heavier weight lessons.
9) Ffion Davies
Ffion is a Welsh black belt beneath Darragh O’Conaill and is extensively thought-about probably the greatest feminine grapplers right now. She is a two-time IBJJF World Champion, a four-time IBJJF No-Gi World Champion, and an ADCC World Champion. Regardless of being an average-sized grappler, Ffion is understood for her technical superiority, which permits her to dominate her rivals and male coaching companions who’re twice her dimension.
10) Andy Murasaki
Andy Murasaki can also be one of many younger grappling stars right now, having labored extensively with Caio Terra and Andre Galvao. He is likely one of the strongest pound-for-pound Jiu-Jitsu athletes and is an IBJJF No-Gi World Champion. Regardless of falling quick within the 2022-2024 IBJJF World Championship finals, Andy is decided to win this yr’s IBJJF World Championship.
Conclusion
The IBJJF World Championship, being probably the most prestigious Gi Jiu-Jitsu match, assessments the desire and spirits of aspiring champions trying to make a reputation within the sport. Maintaining the aggressive spirit of the traditional Jiu-Jitsu, let’s watch on the stands for the upcoming champions that will probably be topped on this yr’s IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
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