The IBJJF returns with The Crown, one of the most elite and exclusive events on the gi calendar, bringing together world champions, rising contenders, and some of the most technical athletes in the sport. With stacked brackets across every division, the stage is set for high-stakes matchups, stylistic clashes, and high-caliber jiu-jitsu from start to finish. In this preview, we break down each division, highlight the key players, and look at the storylines that could shape this year’s Crown.

Men's Featherweight

Favorites

• #2 João Mendes
• #7 Kennedy Maciel

Contenders

• #4 Cole Abate

Darkhorses

• #10 Ademir Barreto
• #14 Marco Mendes

Best first round match: Kennedy Maciel vs Marco Mendes

This division was where João Mendes really started to break out last year to that top level, with a run to the finals that started with an upset of Kennedy Maciel in round one. Now, both of them are back in this bracket with a chance to rematch in the finals. Mendes won Worlds this year after a close win over Meyram Maquine in the finals and a wild Caio Terra foot lock in the semifinals. The Atos grappler has an athletic, all-around style that continues to pay dividends - but no one has been able to stay on top of featherweight for long. Kennedy is in after a disappointing run this year where he was left off the Worlds podium again. He's clearly one of the best in the world but he has fallen just short a few times - so a Crown title would really mean a lot to him for the positive momentum it would provide.

Also worth watching here is Cole Abate, who is in as the AOJ featherweight representative. He had a tight match with Kennedy at Euros where he fell behind on penalties but nearly won with a dramatic late back take - and Cole continued improving through the season before finishing with bronze at Worlds. Everyone's just waiting for the day Cole wins his first gi major title, it could be here - especially with how careful his preparation and game plans are. The small bracket especially lends itself to that.

Women's Lightweight

Favorites

• #1 Janaina Lebre
• #3 Brianna Ste-Marie

Contenders

• #1MW Thalyta Silva
• Bianca Basilio

Darkhorses

• #2MW Elisabeth Clay
• #2FW Cassia Moura
• #5 Sarah Galvão

Best first round match: Brianna Ste-Marie vs Sarah Galvão

This is probably the best gi bracket of the year. This is a stacked collection of champions at the top of their game and it is going to be worth the price of admission by itself. Last year it was Brianna Ste-Marie winning The Crown with a close win over Janaina in the finals. At Worlds, it was Janaina getting that back on her way to gold - finishing up a very strong Grand Slam campaign through 2025. If they hit for round three, it's going to be where we learn who really has the edge in this series between two of the best at any weight class.

Then there's the lurking Atos rookie, Sarah Galvão, who won brown belt Worlds and now stands ready to test herself against the best of the best. This will be easily her biggest test yet in her young gi career, as she faces off against established champions in basically every round. Could this be the early ascension of the head of the Dream Team? We have only seen Sarah shine brighter on bigger stages, always rising to the challenge, so don't be surprised if she walks away with a new crown to her collection.

Also in contention will be Cassia Moura, the young phenom from LEAD BJJ who continues to impress every time she hits the mats. She's been technically good for a few years now, but now she's physically maturing in a way that is really leveling up her entire game. I think it's only a matter of time until Cassia is a fixture in these major finals and The Crown could kick that off.

Coming down from women's middle will be both the world finalists from this year, Thalyta Silva and Elisabeth Clay. If they can manage the weight cut well, they will be powerful, technical, and a new challenge for anyone in this field. Clay's savage submissions and Silva's positional pressure are both facets to watch here.

Men's Middleweight

Favorites

• #2 Andy Murasaki 

Contenders

• #9LW Pedro Maia
• #5LW Jackson Nagai

Darkhorses

• Jose Steve
• Mateo Cardona
• Danylo Wruck

Best first round match: Andy Murasaki vs Mateo Cardona

Andy is back to defend his Crown championship, after winning the title by injury default in 2024. He continues to prove year after year that he is one of the best in the world at any weight, but his struggles at Worlds are well documented. Andy has always been very professional about using those losses to improve, and after a few months away we will get our first look at Murasaki in the gi since then. Watch out for his nasty leg locking game that he has developed.

Another talented submission hunter in the bracket is Six Blades's Pedro Maia, someone who has a knack for pulling off aggressive finishes against some of the best in the world. He's got the overall game to compete with anyone and the KO power in his submissions to close the show if given the chance, so he's someone who can make a real impact here. The only other black belt world champ in here is Jackson Nagai, who uses a real mean streak in his BJJ to impose himself in matches. Jackson continues to be super game against anyone and has the style to snatch victory against anyone here.

Men's Heavyweight

Favorites

• #1 Adam Wardzinski

Contenders

• Lucas Barbosa
• #2SHW Nolan Stuart

Darkhorses

• #11 Paulo Merlin
• #8 Mateus Rodrigues

Best first round match: Paulo Merlin vs Mateus Rodrigues

Adam is BACK! The Polish powerhouse's retirement was short-lived, as he's back after just a few months to keep establishing his legacy as one of the best ever in this division. He's now a 2-time World Champion, known for his legendary butterfly guard, crushing pressure, and fan support after years of seeing him grinding away. This field offers a lot of new challengers after the IBJJF season largely kept the same contenders in front of him. Expect some wars from Adam this weekend.

In the mix will be Lucas Barbosa, who is back and focused in again on being the best in the world. Atos's resident Hulk is a world champion in the gi as well and now that he's healthy again he may be the biggest test for Wardzinski this weekend. Also worth watching is Nolan Stuart. He's got a stellar guard and omoplata, but he has had his best results up at super-heavy - which as a division just isn't as strong with contenders as heavyweight is. His results at this weight are a little more spotty so that's worth monitoring coming in too.

Two guys who can shake up this bracket and make it more fun are Paulo Merlin and Mateus Rodrigues. Both guys have very dynamic styles that are fun to watch and they face off round one. Whoever takes that gets Adam (most likely) and that match will be one where the underdog has a very real shot.

Women's Super-Heavyweight

Favorites

• #1 Gabi Pessanha

Contenders

• #2 Tayane Porfirio

Darkhorses

• #1HW Larissa Dias
• #4MHW Maria Vicentini

Best first round match: Izadora Cristina vs Maria Alencar

It's Gabi's world and we're just living in it. Pessanha continues to blaze a trail of epic dominance through women's jiu-jitsu and the only person in the bracket who can realistically stand in her way is the two seed, Tayane Porfirio. Tayane snapped Gabi's winning streak at Brasileiros this year, but Gabi then avenged that twice at Worlds (including one by submission). Tayane isn't guaranteed to get to the finals but if she makes it, her and Gabi will have another match determined by Tayane's ability to apply pressure without ending up on bottom.

Men's Ultra-Heavyweight

Favorites

• #1 Erich Munis

Contenders

• Gustavo Batista

Darkhorses

• Guilherme Avelino
• #10 Pedro Lucas

Best first round match: Gustavo Batista vs Elder Cruz

Erich Munis is another dominant champion who has established himself over the last few years as the top champion in men's jiu-jitsu at both his weight and in the open. He's made the last three world absolute finals (winning the last two by forfeit) and won The Crown last year with a submission in the finals. Now, he's back to continue proving that he's number one in the world right now.

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