The biggest stars the sport has to offer assemble in Lisbon, Portugal for the largest European Championship in IBJJF history. The adult black belt divisions present an elite group of world-class grapplers vying for the first major title of the 2026 season. Two days of exciting matchups, thrilling narratives, and a passionate arena full of jiu-jitsu enthusiasts generate an event you cannot miss.  Catch all the black belt action live, January 23rd and 24th, broadcasting exclusively on FloGrappling.

Male Roosterweight

Jalen Fonacier, the reigning roosterweight World Champion, headlines a star-studded division. Representing Alliance, Jalen returns to the Europeans motivated to claim a major title to kick off his 2026 campaign, following his silver medal finish in last year’s edition. Shay Montague enters the new year with powerful momentum, fresh off a No-Gi World Championship title. Shay intends to elevate his presence in gi competition this season, a prospect that thrills jiu-jitsu enthusiasts globally. Tadiiyah Danforth, a three-time European bronze medalist, presents a legitimate and formidable threat, poised to secure his first major championship. High-level contenders Yuri Silva and Samuel Marquez are set to challenge for the roosterweight podium, while Koji Shibamoto and Lucas Bosshard are dark horses aiming to disrupt the talented bracket. Guaranteed non-stop action and compelling matchups define this field, with Jalen Fonacier emerging as the favorite to navigate the dangerous competition.

Male Light-Featherweight

Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira headlines the light-featherweight division at the European Championships. The AOJ standout, Pato carries the undeniable momentum of his 2025 Grand Slam title, significantly elevating anticipation as one of the sport's biggest stars commences his 2026 campaign. Malachi Edmond of Team Lloyd Irvin joins the division as a returning European Champion from 2023. Malachi is a master technician with a diverse arsenal of attacks, consistently posing a serious threat to his opponents. Keven Carrasco brings extensive major experience and world-class talent. The Ares BJJ athlete is laser-focused on capturing his inaugural black belt major title. Shoya Ishiguro makes his highly anticipated return after securing the light-featherweight silver medal in last year’s tournament. Shoya also achieved a podium finish at the 2025 World Championships, heightening expectations for his performance this season. Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu standout, Anderson Duarte, enters the division after capturing Brasileiro silver last year, hoping to ignite his 2026 campaign on a high note. European bronze medalist Andrew Soares, Leonardo Neves of GF Team, and Carlos Júnior Righetti representing Alliance are all formidable competitors who threaten to make deep runs in the light-featherweight division.

Male Featherweight

The male featherweight division stands as one of the most anticipated brackets of the 2026 European Championships. Boasting World Champions, elite technicians, and bright stars, the 154lb weight class is guaranteed to deliver electrifying action for fans. Kennedy Maciel, the Alliance product, brings his extensive competitive resume and championship experience to Lisbon, seeking to secure his second black belt European Championship. Cole Abate of AOJ, a dangerous 21-year-old sensation, is riding high on three major medals and a Crown Title from 2025. Cole captured his second consecutive No-Gi World Championship in December and now sets his sights on gi competition, determined to secure the first major title of the season. Other talented contenders, including Sebastian Serpa, Florian Bayili, and Giuliano Spera, round out a stacked featherweight bracket that promises non-stop action and world-class talent, much to the delight of jiu-jitsu fans across the globe.

Male Lightweight

The male lightweight division presents a captivating blend of rising stars and proven veterans, all fiercely vying for their first major title of the 2026 season. Mateo Cardona, representing AOJ, embarks on his first full year at the black belt level, looking to build upon a dominant color belt career that saw him earn multiple Pan, European, and World Championship titles. Mateo aims to seize his inaugural black belt major championship at this year’s Europeans. Pedro Maia returns to the event following a bronze medal finish in the last edition. As a deeply experienced competitor, Pedro is determined to begin his 2026 campaign with a gold medal performance. Lucas Protasio makes his return to the Europeans, having previously earned bronze and silver medals, now hoping to ascend to the top of the podium for his first black belt major title. Lucas Maquine joins the division intent on capitalizing on his successful 2025 season, which was highlighted by his Brasileiro gold medal performance. Sandrey Silva and Romulo Rocha represent dangerous, upset-worthy contenders in a deep 168lb division.

Male Middleweight

Lisbon is poised to host the world's top middleweight athletes for the European Championships. Tainan Dalpra headlines this talent-rich division as the overwhelming favorite to capture the title. The 2025 season witnessed Tainan secure his third black belt World Championship and all four grand slam events. As one of the biggest stars and most innovative competitors the sport offers, Tainan seeks to continue his middleweight reign on the world’s grandest stages. Matheus Luna, representing CheckMat, is an experienced competitor known for consistently delivering exciting matches. The 2025 World Masters Champion hopes to translate his recent success into a Europeans title to open the season. Jose Steve represents a burgeoning star whose highly anticipated rookie black belt campaign begins with his first major event at the highest level. The DreamArt athlete masterfully blends technical prowess with supreme athleticism, creating immense challenges for his opposition. Canadian athlete, Michael Sheehan, possesses the technique and winning instincts necessary to make a deep run toward his first major title. Oscar Gugala, Ahmed Laaribi, and John Sheridan add considerable depth to a bracket eager to challenge the reigning champion, Tainan Dalpra.

Male Medium-Heavy

The male medium-heavyweight division is projected to be one of the most intensely competitive brackets of the event. Uanderson Ferreira, Tarik Hopstock, Mikael Rhaillander, and Luiz Victor are expected to lead a 23-man field boasting immense talent. Uanderson, representing Carlson Gracie, impressed throughout the 2025 season by securing two major medals and double gold at the Pan Pacific. Tarik Hopstock enters the European Championships propelled by an incredible no-gi season that culminated in European No-Gi and World No-Gi Championship titles. The Norwegian athlete appears to have forged a formidable partnership with fellow Norway native, Tommy Langaker, which seems to have elevated Tarik's game to new heights. Luiz Victor, representing Marcio Andre, joins the division as a top contender to seize the European Championship title. Mikael Rhaillander is a European-based athlete whose exciting style is certain to make waves in the medium-heavyweight division. London Horn, Pedro Cadete, Shane Fishman, and Gabriel Galvao are serious contenders in an intriguing bracket where the title appears truly up for grabs.

Male Heavyweight

The world's top heavyweights converge at the European Championships. Nolan Stuart of Brea Jiu-Jitsu headlines the division, following a spectacular performance at the IBJJF Crown. Nolan captured three major medals last season, including a Pans gold. The Vetoraci brothers, Matheus and Davi, will undoubtedly draw passionate support as Portuguese-based grapplers aiming to replicate their success from last year’s Europeans. The brothers famously closed out the medium-heavyweight division, thrilling the crowd with exciting matches en route to their podium performances. Igor Tanabe rejoins the IBJJF major circuit after an MMA stint, hoping to continue the success he built during his color belt career. Igor seems to be building significant momentum since returning to jiu-jitsu competition, making him a serious contender. Mateus Rodrigues, representing AOJ, is poised for a breakout campaign in 2026. The 2024 Pan Champion has maintained an extremely active schedule in recent years, continuously improving and delivering thrilling matches. Leo Ferreira returns to the Europeans after earning a silver and bronze medal in the last edition. Leo impressed throughout the year, securing podium placements at the Brasileiros, Europeans, and Worlds. Wesley Felix and Lucas Norat are competitors to watch in the talented 208lb division.

Male Super-Heavyweight

Erich Munis headlines the male super-heavyweight division at the 2026 European Championships. The six-time World Champion, representing Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu, begins his new year targeting his second Europeans title. Commencing his campaign as the #1 ranked gi athlete in the world, Erich carries towering expectations as he targets major titles to expand his already extensive resume. Fellow Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu contender, Vinicius Liberati, joins the division as a world-class competitor and perennial medalist at major events. Marcos Carrozzino brings a wealth of championship experience to the bracket, aspiring to capture the European title after his bronze and silver medal performances in last year’s edition. Fight Nation Portugal athlete, Telmo Castro, aims to defend his home country, backed by the wave of local support he is sure to receive. Erich Munis leads a bracket of world-class super-heavyweight competitors prepared to push their limits in pursuit of the European Championship title.

Male Ultra-Heavyweight

The ultra-heavyweights boast a field of World Champions, proven veterans, and rising stars heading into the European Championships. Kjetil Lydvo of CheckMat joins the division as a former European silver and bronze medalist, determined to secure his first black belt major championship. Kjetil has earned podium placements at all four major events in his black belt career, setting the stage for a breakthrough performance. Seif-Eddine Houmine makes his compelling return to IBJJF major competition, having previously captured the World Championship in 2024. Houmine concluded last season by returning to action with a double gold performance at the Paris Open. Anderson Kauan enlists in the ultra-heavyweight division with high expectations after earning silver and bronze medals in the last two editions of the event. Pedro Lucas brings a wealth of major event experience, having earned European and World Championships medals in 2025. Nick Hartman is guaranteed to draw significant attention as the Zenith Jiu-Jitsu athlete makes his black belt debut. Nick concluded his illustrious color belt career in December with a No-Gi World Championship gold medal performance. The division is sure to feature must-watch matchups throughout the bracket.

Female Roosterweight

The top female roosterweights in the world assemble in Lisbon for the 2026 European Championships. Mayssa Bastos of AOJ commands significant attention heading into the event, as the phenom athlete has captured a record six consecutive World Championship titles in the roosterweight division. She secured Brasileiro, European, and World Championships in 2025, firmly cementing her status as one of the sport's most dominant female athletes. Reigning European roosterweight champion, Thaís Loureiro, returns to the event after an incredible performance in last year’s edition. Jessica Caroline, representing Pax Jiu-Jitsu, remains a serious threat in the bracket. Jessica certainly impressed in 2025, securing Pans gold, European silver, and World Championship bronze medals. Gracie Humaita product, Mariana Roszt, enlists in the division after earning Pans and World Championship silver medals in 2025. Mara Kelly and Gabrielle Etzel are talented athletes with the ability to shake up the bracket. The roosterweight division is laden with talent, yet Mayssa Bastos stands as the clear favorite to capture the European title.

Female Light-Featherweight

The Funegra sisters headline an impressive female light-featherweight bracket. Mia and Ashlee Funegra, representing AOJ, have officially embarked upon their black belt careers, generating tremendous excitement among jiu-jitsu fans worldwide. Mia returns as the reigning World Champion in the division, aiming to extend her success through her first full season at the black belt level. Ashlee is riding a powerful wave of momentum following her impressive No-Gi World Championship title in December. The sisters are expected not only to contend fiercely for the gold medal but also to deliver the kind of exciting matches viewers have come to anticipate. Andressa Guirau begins her 2026 campaign at the Europeans, targeting major title victories after achieving podium finishes at both the Brasileiros and World Championships last season. Yasmyn Castro, representing Marcio Andre, returns to the event after taking the roosterweight silver medal last year. Josefine Modig has become a familiar figure atop podiums in Europe, and she aims to capture her first black belt major title. Naimoi Matthews, Rose-Marie Sharouni, Eonju Im, and Anabelle Dominico round out the light-featherweight division that is guaranteed to be action-packed.

Female Featherweight

The female featherweight division showcases a collection of high-level athletes all hoping to achieve European Championship glory. Cassia Moura enters the division propelled by her second consecutive No-Gi World Championship title. Cassia earned podium honors at all four major gi events in 2025, setting the stage for a breakthrough gi campaign this year. Reigning World and European Champion, Larissa Campos, is a favorite to capture the first major title of 2026. Larissa represents AOJ and is an experienced competitor with world-class technique. JFC Almeida’s Maria Luiza elevates the featherweight division with an impressive resume that includes multiple Brasileiro, Pans, and World Championship podium performances. Thaynara Victoria aims to continue her ascent through the black belt ranks following an impressive 2025 season highlighted by her Pans gold medal performance. Giovanah Oliveira and Astrid Scholin are dangerous competitors lurking within a deep featherweight division where podium placements will certainly be highly contested.

Female Lightweight

The lightweight division offers Sarah Galvão her first opportunity to seize the European Championship title at the black belt level. The Atos Jiu-Jitsu star was promoted to the highest rank atop the World Championship podium in 2025. Sarah brings immense momentum into the event after capturing Asian and American National gold and concluding the year with an IBJJF Crown title. Rising Vision standout, Randryely Souza, returns for her second black belt European Championship appearance after securing the bronze medal in last year’s edition. Beatrice Jin and Patricia Pacheco maintained highly active schedules throughout 2025, hoping their persistent efforts culminate in a breakthrough performance at the Europeans. Vitória Cabral, Zara Tofano, and Tamara Toros complete an impressive lightweight bracket. The jiu-jitsu community remains intently focused on Sarah Galvão’s continued dominance as she transitions into the black belt division, creating heightened anticipation for her first European Championship at the highest level.

Female Middleweight

The European Championship middleweight division is filled with rising stars and world-class talent. Lillian Marchand headlines the bracket, making her black belt gi debut on the heels of a phenomenal No-Gi World Championship gold medal performance. Lillian enters the highest level of the sport at just nineteen years old, having captured all four major titles in her illustrious color belt career. Larissa Martins, representing DreamArt, enters the 2026 season as a former World Championship silver medalist with her sights set firmly on a major title. Stephanie Faure returns to the European Championships after earning a silver medal in last year’s edition. The CheckMat representative is a Worlds bronze medalist and a battle-tested veteran guaranteed to challenge the division. Amanda Schurtz’s double-bronze performance from the 2025 Europeans warrants excitement for her return to the event as she represents the European-based academy, ECJJA. Vitoria Gabriella completed her rookie black belt season in 2025 with Pans and European Championship podium finishes. Kamilla Kelly is another high-level competitor entering her second black belt season. Kamilla secured multiple open event gold medals throughout her 2025 campaign, setting the stage for a potential breakout year for the Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout. Lillian Marchand garners significant attention as she commences her black belt gi career, yet her division presents plenty of challenging matchups.

Female Medium-Heavyweight

Ingridd Alves returns to the European Championships as the reigning medium-heavyweight Champion. Representing DreamArt, Ingridd commences her 2026 campaign following a Worlds silver and Euros gold medal last year. She undoubtedly carries high expectations for this season after securing silver and bronze in the past two World Championship events. Maria Vicentini joins the bracket as a world-class competitor hoping to capture her first European Championship title. Maria secured Brasileiro and Pans titles in 2025, alongside a silver medal performance at the World Championships. The AOJ standout is projected to make a deep run to capture the first major medal this season. Luana Soares captured recognition for her impressive run through the IBJJF Brazilian circuit in 2025, elevating anticipation for her major debut this year. Laura Sieradzan, Gabriela Miranda, Olivia Schauer, and Denise Krahn complete the highly competitive medium-heavyweight division at the European Championships.

Female Heavyweight

Yara Soares headlines the female heavyweight division after her double-silver performance at the 2025 European Championships. Yara impressed throughout the 2025 season with European, Brasileiro, and World Championship podium finishes. Anabel Lopez commences her 2026 campaign after taking bronze at the World Championships last year. The CheckMat standout and former No-Gi World Champion aims to begin her year with a major title. Magdalena Loska hopes to add European gold alongside her two prior bronze medal performances at the event. Natacha Ribeiro, Isabely Sanches, and Sara Lehto complete an impressive division filled with intriguing matchups.

Female Super-Heavyweight

Four elite female athletes converge for the super-heavyweight European Championship title. Gabi Pessanha, widely recognized as the world's most dominant female gi athlete, headlines this division. Gabi is a historic 10-time World Champion and an eight-time European Champion. The Infight Jiu-Jitsu star has utterly dominated female jiu-jitsu since 2021, forging a legacy that appears more untouchable with every performance on the mat. JFC Almeida standout, Marina Penedo, is poised to contend for the European title following an impressive run through the 2025 Brazilian circuit. Bridgett Brumbaugh, the World Championship bronze medalist, will challenge her fellow super-heavyweight contenders. CheckMat’s Simone Abreu completes a slim but exceptionally talented bracket heading into the first major event of the 2026 season. Gabi Pessanha remains the overwhelming favorite to continue her reign over the super-heavyweight division, yet the talented contenders are fiercely determined to shock the jiu-jitsu world with a European title run.