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2026 IBJJF Crown Announcement

The 2026 Crown is building a phenomenal list of athletes for its fourth edition. Forty-eight world-class competitors will converge inside the famous Long Beach Pyramid on November 8th with hopes of securing one of the most sought after trophies in the sport, as well as the $20,000 cash prize.

Leo Ferreira is officially announced as the fourth heavyweight Crown contender. The Alliance standout prepares to challenge the world’s best athletes under the bright lights of the invitation-only event.

Leo Ferreira - Rising Trajectory

Leo Ferreira drew significant attention following his 2024 brown belt World Championship. In 2026, Leo delivered remarkable performances on the Grand Slam circuit. His consistent progression has set him on a career trajectory that has captured the interest of the global jiu-jitsu community.

The twenty-five year old talent commenced the year with a fascinating European Championship title run. Brasileiro marked his return to major competition, where he again secured gold with impressive technique. Leo finalized his 2026 Gi campaign with a World Championship bronze medal, undoubtedly sparking the motivation to perform at the Crown.

Leo is an athletic and cerebral athlete with razor sharp precision. His guard play is world-class and features strong collar-sleeve and de-la-riva variations specifically. Take a quick look back at one of his 2025 World Championship finishes.

The 2026 Crown heavyweight division already boasts Windson Torres alongside Vinicius Liberati and Fellipe Andrew, two World Championship athletes.  

Leo certainly has a tall task on November 8th, while the global jiu-jitsu community turns its attention to the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Stay tuned to official IBJJF channels for continued updates surrounding the 2026 IBJJF Crown.