Italy showed out for the 2025 Ocean BJJ Pro Championship Finale, and the athletes delivered with four brackets stacked with action. From breakout stars to established contenders reclaiming their spot at the top, the event felt like another big step forward for one of Europe’s fastest-growing grappling markets.

Pawel Jaworski Is On Fire

If there’s one name you need to remember right now, it’s Pawel Jaworski. The Polish standout has been unstoppable since his ADCC European Trials win, and in the -80kg division, he kept that momentum rolling. His semifinal scrap with Kenta Iwamoto was razor-close—one of those matches you can’t help but hope gets run back—but once he hit the finals, Pawel’s guard looked untouchable. He flowed, controlled, and hit a highlight reel worthy submission. Jaworski’s stock is skyrocketing, and he’s proving he’s ready for anyone, anywhere.

Marcin Maciulewicz Sends a Message

In the +80kg division, Marcin Maciulewicz made a statement. After taking out last year’s champ Lucas Lira, Maciulewicz went head-to-head with Italian favorite Christian Frillici in the finals and sealed the deal with a submission in the dying seconds. It was vintage Marcin, powerful, precise, and relentless. With this performance, he’s not just “back”—he’s announcing himself as one of the guys to watch at the very top of the sport.

Eleftheria Christodoulo Delivers Submission of the Night

Talk about a highlight. Eleftheria Christodoulo walked away from Italy with the women’s heavyweight crown and one of the most memorable moments of the entire event. In the finals, she locked in a slick darce choke and put her opponent to sleep. Clean, technical, and decisive. It was the kind of submission that turns heads and puts your name in the conversation moving forward.

Sarah Galvão Arrives in a Big Way

24 hours before this tournament Sarah Galvão was not set to compete.  But these cards are constantly getting shaken up at the last minute and Sarah saw an opportunity and took it. Sarah has been on a great run since being promoted to black belt back in June and she continued her dominance here toppling the defending champ Gamila Kanew in the finals. Cool under pressure and sharp with her game, Galvão made it clear she’s not here to play—she’s here to take over. 

Italy Proves It Belongs

Beyond the medals, the Ocean BJJ Pro showed just how far Italian jiu-jitsu has come. Local athletes had their chance to shine against world-class names, and the energy in the building made it clear: Italy is no longer just a host, it’s a player. The future is bright, and if this year’s finale was any indication, the Ocean BJJ Pro is only going to keep getting bigger.