The numbers tell a very interesting story when it comes to the international spread of jiu-jitsu, as we highlight which countries are sending the most competitors to the 2018 IBJJF European Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, this week. 

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The IBJJF informed us that 71 countries are represented at the Euros, making it the governing body's most internationally diverse jiu-jitsu tournament of the year. 

The top five nationalities represented at the 2018 Euros are: 

1. United Kingdom – 469
2. Brasil – 416
3. France – 316
4. Spain – 295
5. Portugal – 272

Only one non-European country sent enough athletes to make it into the top five and it was Brazil (predictably so, given its leading position in the sport). The United States just fell short of this list in sixth place with 218 athletes. 

Of the European countries, 11 nations sent over 100 competitors. Populous nations such as the UK (65.3 million) and France (66.7 million) sent the most. 

Neighboring country Spain (46.4 million) sent an impressive number of competitors, but most surprising was that countries such as Portugal and Switzerland — whose populations are 10.3 million and 8.3 million, respectively — fielded enough athletes to make it into the top five. 

Top 15 European Countries 

1. United Kingdom – 469
2. France – 316
3. Spain – 295
4. Portugal – 272
5. Switzerland – 174
6. Germany – 167
7. Finland – 140
8. Ireland – 134
9. Italy – 132
10. Sweden – 111
11. Norway – 100
12. Russia – 95
13. Belgium – 75
14. Poland – 64
15. Netherlands – 60

When it comes to non-European countries there is a sharp drop-off after the big two of Brazil and the USA, with the remainders barely sending enough athletes to register in the double digits. 

Top Non-European countries

1. Brasil – 416
2. United States of America – 218
3. Canada – 39
4. Qatar – 30
5. Japan – 28

The IBJJF European Championships proves that the international growth of jiu-jitsu shows no signs of slowing down with the sport taking hold in major population centers outside of hotspots such as the USA and Brazil.