Every year at the IBJJF European Championships, we see plenty of exciting young athletes, but a few will rise above the field. Those who win gold set themselves up for a great gi season where they can break out as a future star in the game. Those who win double gold, winning both their weight division and the open class, make that statement louder than anyone else.

Maycon Gabriel of ZR Team, from Brazil, was easily the most impressive adult male blue belt of the day, taking double gold with an aggressive style that made for big moments and fun finishes through ten matches.

Starting With A Bang

It didn't take long for Maycon to establish himself as one of the top blue belt prospects to watch here at the IBJJF European Championships, especially when his first match lasted a total of five seconds from handshake to tap. This incredible flying armbar from the medium-heavy was a big electric moment early in the day.

This Guy Is Relentless

Maycon's next rounds saw him finish by pretty early submissions but what really stood out was his relentless offense. Every movement this guy is making is a direct attack trying to finish the match. He racked up a triangle armbar and a couple of chokes from the back to put himself onto the podium of his division.

Quick Strikes For Gold

Maycon is a real physical force that starts the match at a hundred miles an hour, ready to snatch anything he can. That ferocity, undercut with serious technique and a good instinct to find the back or find an arm, has created a really impressive package for someone who is only a blue belt. The ZR team representative captured medium-heavy gold with a semifinal and final that were each under two minutes long.

Early Open Class Upset

Now that the division was secure, Maycon took to the open class as the last overall seed - and as such had to face the two seed first round. Even against a proven, tough opponent it was the same ending; submission victory for the ZR Team fighter. He scrambled to the back off an early pass and spent a while hunting the choke methodically (a noted departure from the more vicious submission finishes from earlier).

Deep Waters In The Absolute

In the open class, Maycon's submission streak would end at seven (an insane run, regardless) and he would win his next three matches by points to earn his absolute championship. That all started in the quarters against the ultra-heavy gold medalist Dantas.

The takedowns of Maycon were on display here and looked incredible, with two slick moves scoring him points - and ultimately earning him another podium spot on the day. It started with a deep seoi snap down that put the larger man down in a hurry - a clear sign of the timing and leverage used by the man three whole weight classes lighter than the unlimited division champion. While that was impressive, the kosoto gari-style foot sweep that followed was just as clean. It was a 4-0 win and a really great display of stand up from Maycon.

The absolute finals were set, and Maycon didn't disappoint. Early into the match he imposed himself again with a single leg to a double leg that put his opponent down with authority. He shrugged around the corner of a triangle attempt and passed to the side control. That was enough for a 5-0 lead, and time would end there with Maycon capturing the double gold.

As the 2025 season rolls on, this ZR Team blue belt just became a guy that fans should keep an eye on. He is bringing exciting action, big throws, quick submissions, and more to the mats.