The 2025 black belt No-Gi World Championship finals delivered some of the most spectacular action in recent memory. Phenomenal performances and incredible storylines converged to create an extraordinary showcase of jiu-jitsu. While the women's divisions continued to captivate, the men's brackets featured equally compelling matchups. This year’s high-stakes competition generated a palpable aura with an electric atmosphere. This article highlights some of the day's standout athletes, though every competitor who reached the top of the podium deserves recognition.

 

Female Divisions

Ashlee Funegra entered the tournament determined to secure a No-Gi World Championship title in her first attempt. The AOJ representative faced Anne Druckrey in the light-featherweight final, treating spectators to an exciting display of jiu-jitsu. Ashlee dominated the match, securing an 11-2 victory and completing her no-gi rookie season with a world title. She showcased a well-rounded game throughout the tournament, combining a dangerous guard with impressive passing. Her balanced attack was confirmed in the final, as she overwhelmed Druckrey with sweeps and guard passes. At just 19 years old, Ashlee has emphatically transitioned from a promising prospect to a formidable World Champion. The future is exceptionally bright as she heads into her 2026 campaign with the highest expectations following this breakthrough title.

 

Elisabeth Clay stole the spotlight at the 2025 No-Gi World Championships. She secured eight stunning submissions across eight total matches in the middleweight and open class divisions. Her gold medal run began against Rebeca Lima for the middleweight world title, which she finished with an outside heel hook, earning her seventh No-Gi World Championship. Elisabeth then refocused for the highly anticipated open class final against Gabi Pessanha, fresh off their respective weight class victories. Despite Pessanha entering with high expectations following her 2024 double gold performance, Clay was completely unfazed. The dangerous submission artist immediately initiated her world-class leg lock system, threatening Pessanha with an outside heel hook that was only halted by the boundaries. Shortly after, Elisabeth latched onto another deep outside heel hook, securing the finish and the open class gold. Clay's double-gold performance earned the fifth and sixth No-Gi World Championships of her career, further cementing her legacy as one of the best female no-gi athletes in jiu-jitsu. This extraordinary showcase by the Six Blades athlete may well be the best outing in her illustrious career. Elisabeth Clay ends her competitive season with an unbelievable performance, generating immense excitement for her future endeavors.

 

Adele Fornarino entered the event generating significant buzz, and she did not disappoint. She faced fellow featherweight superstar Ana Mayordomo in what was arguably the day’s most anticipated match. Adele wasted no time, capturing a devastating aoki lock finish in just sixteen seconds to secure the featherweight No-Gi World Championship gold. She proved herself a true submission artist, whether working from top or bottom position, tallying three submissions in as many matches in the featherweight division. Already considered one of the sport's most dominant women, Adele further cemented this status by adding a No-Gi Worlds title to her impressive resume. Her plan to continue competing in IBJJF  major events in 2026 is welcome news to jiu-jitsu fans worldwide.

 

Helena Crevar, representing Kingsway Jiu-Jitsu, completed a stunning black belt debut in the medium-heavyweight division at the 2025 No-Gi World Championships. She faced Ane Scendsen in the finals, delivering a dominant performance to claim her first No-Gi Worlds title. Helena showcased early guard play, executing a sweep that led to positional dominance on top. She ultimately secured nineteen unanswered points and an emphatic rear naked choke finish. With a resounding 100% submission rate across four matches in the tournament, Helena solidified herself as one of the world's top no-gi athletes. At only eighteen years old, she is setting the stage for an extraordinary career that the world is eager to follow.

 

Cassia Moura returned to the premier no-gi event after winning featherweight gold in the previous year’s edition. This weekend, Moura made a definitive statement by moving up multiple divisions to compete against heavyweights under the bright lights of the Las Vegas Convention Center. The LEAD BJJ athlete emphatically answered any questions about her ability at this weight class, dominating the bracket with her supreme technical and athletic abilities. The heavyweight final paired Cassia with Nia Blackman, resulting in a six-point victory for Moura. She consistently utilized heavy arm drags, effective guard play, and explosive shots to overwhelm her opponent. At just nineteen years old, Cassia seems to improve with every time she steps on the mat, no doubt terrifying potential opposition. By securing her second No-Gi World Championship title in as many divisions, the excitement surrounding this young phenom continues to build.

 

Gabrieli Pessanha continued her expedition into no-gi competition, challenging the world’s stiffest competition this weekend. Widely regarded as the most dominant female athlete in jiu-jitsu, she continues to seek out new challenges. The 2024 No-Gi Worlds double gold medalist entered the event with elevated expectations, and on the second day of black belt action, she delivered yet another double-gold opportunity. Gabi began her day with a super-heavyweight final against Lauren Rojas, continuing her winning streak with a dominant display. She showcased her world-class guard alongside heavy top pressure to secure a nineteen-point shutout and her third No-Gi Worlds title. Over two days of competition against the most skillful competitors in the world, Gabi confirmed her supreme skill set and winning mentality. She remains the premier gi athlete in the world while consistently proving herself as a prestigious no-gi competitor.

 

Male Divisions

Marco Mendes returned to the No-Gi World Championship finals day, aiming to improve upon the bronze medals he earned in the past two editions. He entered the semifinals against Ash Williams for the chance to make it to the featherweight final. The match was closely contested and showcased back-and-forth action, ultimately favoring Mendes by two points, due to his well-balanced game and winning instincts. Marco advanced to face the experienced, three-time No-Gi World Champion Gianni Grippo. The featherweight final came down to the wire, as the two renowned contenders traded sweeps until Marco found himself up by two points with under a minute left. Mendes once again displayed his composed demeanor and winning mentality, fending off Grippo’s attacks to secure a two-point edge as time expired. Marco captured his first No-Gi World Championship title, setting a new standard for his future performances. He concludes the year with two major titles as he enters his highly anticipated 2026 campaign.

 

Cole Abate, the AOJ product, moved up a division to challenge the lightweight class at the 2025 No-Gi World Championship. He started the second day of black belt action by defeating Alessandro Botelho in a tough semifinal match. Cole relied on his strong guard play to counter the talented Melqui Galvao student's pressure, absorbing and countering his offense, ultimately finishing Alessandro with an impressive heel hook. He then advanced to the final to face a familiar opponent in Julian Espinosa, resulting in a similar outcome to their past matchups. Cole seized an early lead with an effortless sweep and maintained pressure, scoring a number of advantages and points to secure a commanding fourteen-point victory. This triumph marks the 21-year-old’s second No-Gi World Championship in as many years, demonstrating his consistency at the sport's highest level. His grace and humility, while regularly topping the podium in both gi and no-gi competitions, is truly admirable. Cole’s 2026 campaign will undoubtedly continue to offer exciting matches and compelling storylines as the world follows the young phenom’s jiu-jitsu journey.

 

Pawel Jaworski, the Poland native representing Academia Gorila, aimed to capture a No-Gi World Championship to cap off his rookie season. He narrowly defeated Sebastian Rodriguez in the medium-heavyweight semifinals by two points in a highly competitive match. Pawel's proven guard play frustrated Sebastian, drawing penalties that ultimately decided the match in favor of the Polish talent. His victory set up an intriguing final against Gabriel Brod with the coveted No-Gi World Championship on the line. Pawel immediately entangled the legs, progressing to a cross-ashi position where he completed an inside heel hook finish in under 90 seconds. He has certainly put the black belt division on notice in his rookie season, capturing European, Pans, and No-Gi World Championship gold medals. Pawel Jaworski highlights a wave of young European talent making their mark on the world jiu-jitsu stage, propelling excitement for the future of the sport.

 

Roosevelt Sousa concluded his best no-gi showing with a double-gold performance on Saturday. The ultra-heavyweight semifinal between Sousa and Helder Jose demonstrated the Fight Sport athlete’s incredible guard play, ending with a kimura finish from closed guard. Roosevelt then secured his weight division gold medal via a rear naked choke in a swift two-minute dismissal of Heikki Jussila. Not content with a single No-Gi Worlds title on the day, Sousa faced off with the returning No-Gi Worlds open division champion, Elder Cruz. Roosevelt showcased exceptional guard attacks with a wrestle-up attempt into a back take, culminating in yet another rear naked choke finish. Roosevelt captured his second and third No-Gi World Championship titles on Saturday—a remarkable achievement for a 32-year-old competitor who openly discussed enduring countless struggles throughout his jiu-jitsu career. Roosevelt’s heartwarming story has culminated with this dazzling performance at the 2025 No-Gi World Championships.

 

2025 Black Belt No-Gi World Champions

Female Divisions

Roosterweight: Thais Loureiro

Light-Featherweight: Ashlee Funegra

Featherweight: Adele Fornarino

Lightweight: Lillian Marchand

Middleweight: Elisabeth Clay

Medium-Heavyweight: Helena Crevar

Heavyweight: Cassia Moura

Super-Heavyweight: Gabi Pessanha

Open Class: Elisabeth Clay

 

Male Divisions

Roosterweight: Shay Montague

Light-Featherweight: Marcos Gomes

Featherweight: Marco Mendes

Lightweight: Cole Abate

Middleweight: Tarik Hopstock

Medium-Heavyweight: Pawel Jaworski

Heavyweight: Javier Barter

Super-Heavyweight: Nicholas Maglicic

Ultra-Heavyweight: Roosevelt Sousa

Open Class: Roosevelt Sousa