Male Roosterweight

The world's top no-gi roosterweights are set to clash this week in Las Vegas, NV. Everton Teixeira returns, aiming to secure his third consecutive No-Gi World title after dominating the event for the past two years. Although Teixeira competed in the light-featherweight division throughout the 2025 season, he is back at his championship weight, determined to deliver another gold medal for Atos. Christopher Tran, representing Crazy 88, is also back in the mix after claiming bronze at last year’s event. Tran curtailed his competition schedule this year following a run that saw him hit the podium at all major events in 2024, highlighted by European and Brasileiro gold medals. The ECJJA standout, Shay Montague, enters Worlds as the reigning European Champion at roosterweight, chasing his first black-belt World Championship gold. Shay seems to have elevated his level in recent competitions, peaking at the ideal time to end the season on a high note. Lucas Castro, a seasoned veteran of the event, will seek to reach the top of the podium after earning bronze and silver medals in recent years.  Roosterweight action guarantees to bring explosive action and non-stop entertainment.

 

Male Light Featherweight

The #1 ranked light-featherweight contender, Edwin Ocasio, is on a mission to become a two-time World Champion. His phenomenal 2023 season saw him capture World, Pan, and European Championship gold medals. In 2025, his consistent performance has already secured him podium spots at two major events. Atos boasts a formidable rising star in Vinicius Inacio, who is in the midst of an incredible season, having already captured gold at both Pans and European Championships. He aims to add a third major title to his stellar 2025 resume. Meanwhile, Marcos Gomes of AOJ hopes to elevate his standing after earning a silver medal at last year’s No-Gi World Championships. This light-featherweight division is stacked with exciting athletes, promising potential matchups that are guaranteed to captivate fans.

 

Male Featherweight

The featherweight division is headlined by several very talented athletes, including three time World Champion Gianni Grippo. Gianni is fiercely focused on claiming his fourth title after taking second as a lightweight in 2024. Representing Bodega Jiu-Jitsu, Grippo is known for his fan-friendly, balanced attack that has won him several important titles over the years. Emilio Rodriguez will look to complete an active 2025 campaign, which yielded seven IBJJF Open gold medals. His most recent major medal came at last year’s Pans event, where he earned bronze. Marco Mendes returns to No-Gi Worlds determined to finally secure gold, following back-to-back bronze medals at the event. Mendes is coming off an impressive gold medal run at Pans where he submitted each of his opponents in exciting fashion. Marco is certainly a must-watch contender entering this prestigious No-Gi Worlds event. Adding to the excitement is Ash Williams, the Draig athlete, who looks to parlay his 2025 European Championship gold into his first World Champion title. Brasileiro silver medalist, Henrique Cordeiro, joins a deep division of world-class competitors. There are plenty of intriguing matchups to be seen in the featherweight division.

 

Male Lightweight

The No-Gi World Championship draws the sport’s most talented lightweight athletes to Las Vegas. Cole Abate has moved up a weight class to join the division, returning as the reigning No-Gi World Champion from the featherweight division. Though Cole's 2025 focus has been primarily on gi competition, he is more than capable of securing another World Championship gold for AOJ. Julian Espinosa rides a massive wave of momentum, entering the event as the reigning European and Pan Champion. His impressive 2024 season saw him medal at all four major events, including a Worlds silver. Espinosa is arguably the top candidate to derail Abate’s quest for a repeat World Championship performance, despite falling to Cole in their previous two matchups. Yonathan Macias, representing Ares BJJ, captured Brasileiro gold alongside a European Championship bronze this year, positioning himself for a potential upset. Renzo Gracie’s Yigit Hanay seeks to finish his season strongly after taking bronze at last year’s No-Gi Worlds. Danilo Moreira and Joao Assonitis are also dangerous competitors in the bracket and have the necessary skillsets to come out on top.

 

Male Middleweight

Arley Pacheco secures the top seed in a middleweight division brimming with notable names. Fresh off a Brasileiro gold earlier this year, Pacheco enters with confidence, looking to improve on his 2024 No-Gi Worlds bronze. Fellow 2024 No-Gi Worlds bronze medalist, Mateus Moraes, also returns with high hopes of stepping atop the podium. Tarik Hopstock’s impressive gold medal run at the European Championships has proven he is ready to contend for this year’s World title. Max Hanson has moved up from his customary lightweight division to challenge this talented field. Fabyury Khrysthyan is back after his silver medal performance at last year’s edition. CheckMat’s Marcelo Fausto carries the confidence of his 2025 Pan No-Gi gold medal into the bracket, aiming for his first Worlds title. Oliver Taza of Renzo Gracie and  is another phenomenal athlete in the middleweight division with the potential for a deep run. This division will be exceptionally competitive, featuring arguably the largest number of athletes in serious contention for gold.

 

Male Medium-Heavyweight

Thrilling storylines converge in the medium-heavyweight division at No-Gi Worlds. Pawel Jaworski is widely regarded as one of the sport's brightest young stars, aiming to cap off his 2025 season with World gold. The 21-year-old Academia Gorila product possesses one of the most formidable guards in jiu-jitsu, a weapon that propelled him to a Pans title and a double-gold performance at Europeans this year. He faced the division’s top seed, Wallison Oliveira, twice at Pans, winning both encounters by a narrow margin of only three total advantages. As the defending medium-heavy World Champion, Wallison returns to defend his title against a supremely talented field. Wallison will undoubtedly rely on his championship experience, athleticism, and razor-sharp technique to retain his Worlds title. Another former medium-heavy World Champion, Sebastian Rodriguez, joins the division, having placed at the last three Worlds events, including his 2022 gold performance. Rafael Paganini, representing DreamArt, is a previous bronze medalist at the event who looked dominant during his Brasileiros double-gold run, topping the event's podium four times in his career. Experienced athletes such as Jonathan Blank, David Garmo, and Gabriel Lima represent high-level contenders capable of shaking up the bracket.

 

Male Heavyweight

The heavyweight division welcomes back its reigning champion, Faris Benlamkadem. The Los Banditos athlete recently captured European No-Gi gold, appearing to be in peak form as he enters the World No-Gi Championship. Dante Leon has also enlisted in the heavyweight division, marking a significant change since his lightweight World Championship title run in 2022. João Nicolite has been incredibly active this year following his 2024 Worlds bronze performance. João, the #1 ranked heavyweight, has earned eight IBJJF gold medals this season and is determined to capture his first major title. Javier Barter earned the top-seed in the division following his Pans title and Brasileiro silver medal. Jose Carvalho, the Pans silver medalist and Worlds bronze medalist, is back alongside his fellow 2024 Worlds bronze medalist, Calon Sabino, representing two athletes poised for a deep run. Sean Yadimarco, representing Bodega Jiu-Jitsu, is a proven veteran who has compiled a solid season with four IBJJF gold medals. Luccas Lira, the Atos veteran, joins the heavyweight division with high aspirations after earning gold at a pair of IBJJF open events this year. This 23-athlete bracket is loaded with championship experience, boasting big names and even bigger talent, all vying for the 2025 World No-Gi Championship title.

 

Male Super-Heavyweight

The #1 overall ranked no-gi black belt, Elder Cruz, headlines a competitive super-heavyweight bracket. Elder has secured a podium finish four times in the last two editions of No-Gi Worlds, including a gold medal in both 2023 and 2024. Felipe Trovo received the top-seed in the division as the 2022 No-Gi World Champion. Windson Torres, the Six Blades representative, brings an abundance of athleticism and physicality to the division. Although Windson has been more active in the gi this year, his game seamlessly translates to no-gi, posing significant problems for his opponents. The Gracie Barra athlete, Lucas Lopes, brings his Pans silver medal to Las Vegas, hoping to cap off his season with a major title. Rafael Trabuco, Jean Maltese, and Elioenai Braz all contribute major experience and high-level technique to this deep bracket. While Elder Cruz remains the favorite to win his third World Championship title, his path to gold is riddled with danger.

 

Male Ultra-Heavyweight

The ultra-heavyweight division is the smallest adult male black belt bracket, yet it is impossible to overlook. Former no-gi World Champion, Roosevelt Sousa, is fresh off a double-gold performance at Pans this year and enters as a clear favorite for the 2025 Worlds event. Anderson Kauan returns, aiming to step onto the top of the podium in 2025 after earning silver at last year's Worlds. Heikki Jussila brings a wealth of experience, searching for his first World Championship title after collecting silver and bronze in the last two events. In exciting news, former No-Gi World Champion Vinny Magalhães enters the division after a five-year absence, ready to test his legendary experience. Matheus Moraes, Matthew Greene, and Pans silver medalist Helder Rodrigues complete the bracket. Intriguing matchups are easy to find in this division as the IBJJF prepares to crown the next ultra-heavyweight World Champion.

 

Female Roosterweight

The 103lb division is comprised of seven high-level contenders. Thaís Loureiro enters as the top seed, aiming to cap off her incredible 2025 campaign with her first IBJJF World Championship title. Thaís captured Brasileiro and European Championship gold medals this year, utilizing her dominant standing techniques and impressive guard play. Her most difficult test this year came from Mariana Rolszt, the Gracie Humaitá product, who won their Pans finals match in a tightly contested decision victory. Mariana and Thaís previously clashed at the 2024 No-Gi World Championships, resulting in another narrow victory for Mariana. Rolszt looks to improve upon her silver medal from last year by reaching the top of the podium. Faye Cherrier, Mara Kelly, and Gabrielle Etzel have all medaled at major events this year and are looking to upset the division favorites en route to earning their No-Gi World title. Nevertheless, a potential finals match between Mariana Rolszt and Thaís Loureiro has fans buzzing with excitement, as the two are expected to battle for the coveted World Champion status.

 

Female Light-Featherweight

Mia and Ashlee Funegra headline an exciting division as newly promoted black belts seeking their first No-Gi World title at the highest level. The twin sisters dominated the colored belt divisions, culminating in the AOJ products closing out the brown belt No-Gi World finals last year, with Mia claiming gold. Mia's win allowed her to compete at black belt in the Gi Worlds where she ultimately won the light-featherweight title, while Ashlee secured the brown belt World Championship honors, setting the stage for the Funegra sisters to once again compete in the same division. Jessica Crane, now representing Atos Jiu-Jitsu, is a serious threat as the returning Worlds silver medalist. Jessica employs dangerous guard play and technical leg entanglements that constantly pressure her opponents. Barbara Souza enters as the top seed, following a year of claiming Brasileiro and Sul-Americano championships. The GF team athlete hopes to capture her first World Championship honors in a very tough division. European silver medalist, Esther Garwood, joins the division alongside Josefine Modig and Anne Druckrey as high-level contenders to watch. While the Funegra twins have proven to be bright young stars, the division’s veterans remain poised to earn podium honors.

 

Female Featherweight

The female featherweight division is generating significant buzz entering the final major event of the year. Household names Ana Mayordomo and Adele Fornarino will undoubtedly command much of the attention. However, Thaynara Victoria, Beatriz Campos, and Emily Nicholson are also must-watch athletes. Ana Mayordomo earned the top seed after capturing Pans and European Championship gold medals. Ana showcases an instinctual submission game that excites fans and terrorizes her opponents. Adele Fornarino brings a wave of attention as a world-class contender aiming to capture her first No-Gi World title. Adele returns to IBJJF major competition after a two-year absence, setting the stage for the former Pans and European Champion to return to her winning ways. Adele is a physical competitor who utilizes world-class abilities in seemingly every position. Beatriz Campos hopes to repeat success at this prestigious event, having secured the brown belt World title in 2024. Thaynara Victoria is a proven veteran who presents a formidable challenge to anyone she faces. AOJ’s Emily Nicholson is returning to the event, looking to improve on the bronze medal she earned one year ago. A potential finals matchup between Ana Mayordomo and Adele Fornarino is a thrilling prospect, as two of the top female athletes in the sport set their sights on the illustrious World Championship title. The female featherweight division offers a multitude of intriguing matchups in possibly the most exciting bracket of the entire event.

 

Female Lightweight

Brianna Ste-Marie earned the #1 seed in the lightweight division, with her sights set on becoming a three-time World Champion. Brianna is a proven veteran who consistently delivers her best performance under the brightest lights. Her game showcases constant pressure and technical savvy that fans respect and opponents cannot overlook. Amanda Bruse, representing Atos Jiu-Jitsu, is a must-watch contender after reaching the podium in the last two editions. Amanda is positioned on the opposing side of the bracket from Ste-Marie, setting up an intriguing potential finals matchup. Caroline Brunacio, fresh off an impressive gold medal run at Pans, hopes to add a World Championship to her resume. The 2025 Brasileiro champion and European bronze medalist, Amanda Schurtz, joins the division following a stellar no-gi campaign. Margot Ciccarelli, Izabel Seki, and Jaine Fragoso all aim to capture their first World title amidst a deep bracket of high-level contenders.

 

Female Middleweight

A familiar face rejoins the World Championship race as Elizabeth Clay seeks her fifth No-Gi World Championship title. Elizabeth is a well-rounded athlete with a dangerous submission game, highlighted by her world-class leg-lock system. Grapple Collective's Injana Goodman is riding a wave of momentum, coming off four medals across the Pans and European Championships, including a middleweight gold medal at the latter event. Returning World silver medalist, Nadia Frankland, aims to capture her first World title. Julia Boscher joins the middleweight division after earning bronze in last year’s World Championship edition. Rosa Walsh has been highly active this year, earning seven IBJJF gold medals in hopes of translating that success into a major title this week. Vitoria Vieira, Gabriele Schuck, and Sula-Mae Loewenthal are notable names who aim to shake up the bracket en route to their first No-Gi World Championship. It seems Elisabeth Clay is expected to reach the finals in this deep bracket, filled with dangerous competitors along the way.

 

Female Medium-Heavyweight

Salla Simola secures the top seed in an exciting medium-heavyweight division. Salla is the reigning No-Gi World Champion, returning to successfully defend her title. She is in the midst of a phenomenal season, capturing Pans and European Championship gold medals as she aims to repeat her World success from last year. Her familiar foe, Ane Svendsen, is back at No-Gi Worlds after capturing silver at Euros earlier this season. Salla and Svendsen have faced each other numerous times, with victories for both; a potential rematch would occur in the finals of the medium-heavyweight division. World bronze medalist Graciele Carvalho returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center with hopes of capturing the elusive World title. GF Team’s Giovanna Carneiro eyes her first major no-gi title since her Brasileiros win in 2024. Up-and-coming black belt Jessika Torttila aims to finish her rookie season standing atop the podium. Kingsway’s Helena Crevar certainly draws attention to the bracket as an experienced competitor against world-class opponents. Expectations are high for Salla Simola and Helena Crevar ahead of their potential quarterfinal matchup, which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

 

Female Heavyweight

Nia Blackman moves up to heavyweight as the top seed in the division. Nia is the returning bronze medalist from last year’s event, as well as the bronze medalist at the European Championship this season. Sharing her side of the bracket are Leticia Teixeira and Caitlin Huggins. Caitlin has earned a bronze and a silver medal in two attempts at this event, while Leticia prepares for her first black belt No-Gi Worlds experience. Lead BJJ’s Cassia Moura moves up to heavyweight to challenge for the title, carrying high expectations after winning her first black belt No-Gi World Championship in 2024 while competing in the featherweight division. The 19 year-old possesses world-class technique and athleticism that guarantees trouble for anyone across from her. Maria Malyjasiak, the Gi-focused athlete, is a veteran of the event taking double bronze in 2023. Rain Pfaff, and Pans silver medalist Erin Harpe round out a competitive bracket.

 

Female Super-Heavyweight

Gabi Pessanha headlines the female super-heavyweight division as she aims to repeat her double-gold performance from last year’s event. Gabi’s extensive resume establishes her as one of the most accomplished female jiu-jitsu competitors of all time. Not enough can be said about what Gabi has already achieved in the sport, but her story is far from over. Her no-gi game continues to improve as she relentlessly pursues yet another world title. Mayara Moreira stands opposite in the bracket, representing a legitimate threat to reach the top of the podium. The returning Worlds silver medalist fell short to Gabi in the 2024 World Championship finals, a result Mayara is determined to reverse this year. Maria Alencar, the Atos prospect, has her sights set on finishing her rookie season with a World Championship bouquet. Maria’s youthful energy and athleticism will be difficult for anyone in the division to handle, though Gabi Pessanha eagerly awaits a potential semifinal clash with the young Atos product. Undeniably, all eyes are on Gabi as she aims to continue her dominance over the super-heavyweight division.