The world's top master division athletes are assembling in Lisbon, Portugal, for the highly anticipated 2026 European Championships. A compelling blend of experience and exceptional talent converge across the masters levels, setting the stage for thrilling narratives and exciting matchups. Fans across the globe will have the opportunity to witness these world-class competitors definitively prove that jiu-jitsu competition knows no age limit. All the masters action will unfold over the first five days of the European Championships, broadcasting live on FloGrappling.  For the video preview of the European masters divisions, cllick here.

Master 1

João Miyao

A household name within the jiu-jitsu community, João Miyao is set to make his 2026 IBJJF debut at the European Championships. Since his color belt days, João has captivated the world, accumulating major championships at every adult level in the sport. As an adult black belt, João notably secured four No-Gi World Championships along with his 2019 Gi World Championship. Since transitioning to the masters division in 2021, he has consistently dominated, standing atop major event podiums. Last season alone, João secured gi World, Pans, and Brasileiro Championships, complementing his no-gi titles at all four grand slam events. A true legend, João is always a must-watch competitor in any event he enters.

 

Jonas Andrade 

Humbling Jiu-Jitsu Club standout, Jonas Andrade, enters the light-featherweight division at the European Championships. Jonas is making his masters debut following years of successful competition in the adult divisions, highlighted by adult European and World silver medals in 2024, which led to multiple dominant performances in open events across Europe. Jonas has recently shifted a significant portion of his focus to cultivating the next generation of elite athletes at his Humbling Jiu-Jitsu Club, all while targeting his inaugural masters major title.

 

Felipe Pimentel

Felipe Pinheiro joins the master 1 super-heavyweight division at the European Championships this January. Representing Qatar BJJ Brasil, Felipe returns to the event after securing a silver medal in the previous edition. The 2025 season was very successful for Felipe, who earned Pans bronze, European silver, and Brasileiro silver and bronze medals. He also accumulated seven IBJJF open event gold medals, underscoring a highly active campaign for the master 1 athlete. Felipe is aiming to secure his first major title of the 2026 season at the European Championships in a challenging bracket that will likely pit him against fellow masters star, Marcus Vinicius.

 

Lucas Laet

A familiar and successful presence on the master 1 European Championship podium, Lucas Laet returns to the medium-heavyweight division. Lucas secured a pair of silver medals at the 2024 European Championship, and most recently delivered a double-gold performance at last year’s edition. Representing GF Team, Lucas also boasts masters no-gi gold and silver medals at Brasileiros, rounding out his impressive major event accolades in the masters division. His physically imposing frame and high-level technique establish him as the favorite to successfully defend his medium-heavyweight European Championship.

 

Julia Maele

Oxy competitor, Julia Maele, enters the middleweight division at the European Championships. Julia is coming off an impressive 2025 no-gi season where she claimed European silver and bronze medals alongside a Pans bronze medal performance. The former no-gi European Champion transitioned into the masters division for the Masters International Europe event, which culminated in a double silver performance. Julia's balanced, aggressive attack and innate winning instincts make her the favorite to capture the master 1 female middleweight division at the European Championships.

 

Michelle Marques

Michelle is currently the sole entrant in the master 1 heavyweight division at the European Championships. Representing Team Forsa, Michelle reached the podium at two major events last year, securing silver medals at both the Pans and World Championships. She concluded her 2025 season with nine IBJJF open event gold medals and an extensive catalog of exciting matches. Fans should tune into the master 1 female open division, as it may present the only opportunity to watch Michelle display her world-class skill.

Master 2

Serena Gabrielli

One of the most dominant female competitors at the masters level is returning to action at the European Championships. Serena Gabrielli enters the event following an incredible 2025 campaign that saw her capture all four major titles. The Flow standout secured her second consecutive World Championship title to cap off her phenomenal season, elevating anticipation for her major title contention in 2026. Serena demonstrates extraordinary control over her opponents, rarely finding herself out of position and utilizing her impressive guard system to create sweep and submission opportunities. Serena draws significant, well-deserved attention as she seeks her first major title of the 2026 season.

 

Jussier Formiga

American Top Team standout, Jussier Silva, is competing in the light-featherweight division. The two-time Pans and No-Gi Worlds Champion entered the 2025 season with high expectations and delivered unequivocally, capturing the Brasileiro and World Championship titles in the light-featherweight division. He carries immense momentum into the 2026 season. Jussier possesses powerful passing technique and pressure, honed over years of elite competition, which translates into an instinct for winning. As an exciting athlete who consistently pushes the pace, Jussier is guaranteed to deliver thrilling matches en route to a potential European Championship title.

 

Sergio Rios

Top Alliance masters product, Sergio Rios, is set to make his highly anticipated 2026 debut at the European Championships. Having split his competition time across the master 1 and master 2 divisions in 2025, Sergio now aims to secure the first major title of the new year, following bronze and silver medal performances in last year’s edition. The 2025 season saw Sergio capture an impressive seven major gi medals, including coveted Pans, Brasileiros, and World Championship titles. His no-gi campaign was equally formidable, securing Pans, European, and World Championship titles to complete a truly dominant season. Anticipation for Sergio’s 2026 season is peaking, as he aims to commence his year in fantastic fashion at the European Championships.

 

Ermilio Ferreira

Ermilio returns to the European Championships, aiming to successfully retain the featherweight title he earned last year. Ermilio reached the podium at all four major events in 2025, securing Brasileiro silver, Pans gold, European gold, and a World Championship silver medal. The Soul Fighters athlete is enlisted in a deep featherweight division that promises plenty of intriguing matchups. Ermilio will undoubtedly rely on his formidable guard play and dangerous submission systems to challenge for the featherweight European Championship title.

 

Chairo Olimpio

The master 2 lightweight division is anticipated to be one of the most competitive brackets at the masters level, anchored by the reigning World Champion, Chairo Olimpio. The Olimpio athlete completed another successful campaign in 2025, earning silver and bronze medals at the Pans, Brasileiros, and Europeans. Chairo’s dominant performance at the World Masters showcased his well-rounded attack, allowing him to present challenges from seemingly every position on his way to the World Championship title. His path to the European title is heavily contested by high-level rivals determined to halt the winning streak Chairo is currently enjoying.

 

Michelle Nicolini

Michelle Nicolini, a hall-of-fame athlete, is back at the European Championships representing Demian Maia Jiu-Jitsu. With a legendary career that includes eight adult World Championships and two No-Gi World Championships, her resume is undeniable. In 2025, she won the No-Gi European Championship and took home a gi European bronze medal. The former Masters No-Gi World Champion is now competing in the Master 2 featherweight division, aiming to secure yet another major title.

 

Silvania Monteiro

The De La Riva Jiu-Jitsu athlete, Silvania Monteiro, joins the light-featherweight division. The former European and two-time Brasileiro champion aims to inaugurate her 2026 season with a major title victory. Silvania secured podium placements at the Brasileiros, Pans, and Europeans in 2025, marking another successful season for the veteran competitor. Silvania will undoubtedly leverage her extensive championship experience to contend for the European title against three dangerous competitors. All the exciting light-featherweight action can be caught on January 17th from Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Sarah Block

The reigning lightweight World Champion, Sarah Block, enters the European Championships with high expectations. As a former master 1 European Champion, Sarah is aiming to replicate her success from the 2024 edition. The Six Blades standout athlete divided her time between the Master 1 and 2 divisions throughout her 2025 campaign, which was highlighted by Gi and No-Gi World Championship titles. Sarah employs an incredibly active and exciting game for jiu-jitsu fans, characterized by an impressive armbar system that often leads to her opponents' demise. Fans can anticipate constant action and thrilling matches from the reigning World Champion as she pursues her first major title of the young 2026 season.

Master 3

Bruno Braz

Another elite athlete transitioning to the master 3 division after a successful run at the master 2 level is Bruno Braz. He secured European and World Championship bronze medals, alongside the Pans title and a No-Gi Pans silver. The Submit Your Friend Academy standout competes in the light-featherweight division at the European Championships, marking his first opportunity to capture major gold in the master 3 division. Bruno showcases exceptional guard play, specifically defined by a dangerous closed guard system that threatens back takes and a multitude of submissions. Bruno is certainly a favorite to conquer the master 3 light-featherweight division on European Championships day four.

 

Juan Lopes

Juan Lopes headlines the master 3 roosterweight division at the European Championships. The Prm Team athlete begins his master 3 career following a dominant run through the master 2 level. The last two seasons have seen Juan capture European gold, two Pans titles, and consecutive World Championships. Juan’s phenomenal guard play and submission-oriented style are sure to bring excitement to the roosterweight division. Follow his campaign toward a second consecutive European Championship title on January 18th, live from Lisbon, Portugal.

 

Carly Rangel

Zenith Jiu-Jitsu veteran Carly Rangel is widely known for her no-gi accomplishments; however, her 2025 World Masters Championship bronze and silver medals prove she is equally dangerous in gi competition. Carly’s 2025 no-gi season was particularly impressive, culminating in Pans and European Championship gold, and capping off her campaign by securing her second and third No-Gi World Championship titles at the master 3 level with a double-gold performance. The 2026 season offers Carly the opportunity to capture her first European gi title in the master 3 medium-heavyweight division. Fans can follow Carly’s journey through the first major event of the 2026 season exclusively on FloGrappling, January 18th.

 

Katherine Vogel

Reigning master 3 European Champion Katherine Vogel returns to the lightweight division to defend her title. Representing Pedro Sauer Team, Katherine was highly impressive throughout 2025, capturing five major no-gi medals and four grand slam medals in gi competition. Displaying a balanced and potent attack, highlighted by her dangerous guard play, Katherine poses a significant threat to capture the European Championship for the second consecutive year. The master 3 lightweight division features eight talented competitors ready to dethrone Katherine in Lisbon, Portugal, on January 18th.

Master 4

Adriano Silva

The world's #1 ranked master 4 competitor, Adriano Silva, is poised to display his world-class skill at the European Championships. Adriano completed another dominant year in 2025, marked by his World, Pans, and European Championship titles. The Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu athlete maintained a highly active schedule throughout the year, capturing gold medals at the Master International South America and Asia events. Adriano commences his 2026 season in the master 4 middleweight division at the European Championships on January 18th.

 

Sabrina Savi

Carlson Gracie standout, Sabrina Savi, enters the master 4 featherweight division at the European Championships. Sabrina, the world's #1 ranked master 4 female, brings an extensive championship résumé to the first major event of the 2026 season. She enters the event on the heels of an impressive 2025 campaign that saw her capture a Pans title alongside a phenomenal double-gold performance at the Brasileiro. The former Masters World Champion is eager to kick off the new year with a major title on January 18th.

Master 5

Roberto Godoi

The G13 BJJ athlete, Roberto Godoi, returns to the European Championships on January 18th after securing a double-gold performance in last year’s edition. Roberto further cemented an incredible 2025 season by adding double-gold performances at the Pans and World Championships. Entering the event as the world’s #2 ranked master 5 male athlete, Roberto is aiming to replicate much of the success he achieved in the 2025 campaign. A seasoned veteran with world-class technique, Roberto is a strong favorite to capture both the super-heavyweight and open class European titles.

 

Suyan Queiroz

Suyan Queiroz, representing Wolves Den Jiu-Jitsu, is competing in the 2026 European Championships with significant momentum from the previous season. He recently triumphed in the master 5 No-Gi World Championship, securing the lightweight title. This success followed an exceptional gi season where he won all four major lightweight championships. Suyan, the current #6 ranked master 5, now sets his sights on the European Championship.

Master 6

Raymond Trammell Jr.

Gracie Humaita athlete, Raymond Trammell Jr., is enlisted in the master 6 medium-heavyweight division at the European Championships. A seasoned veteran with vast championship experience, the former European Champion returns to the event as a favorite to capture yet another major title. Raymond’s 2025 campaign was incredibly active, culminating in an astonishing 28 IBJJF gold medals alongside his Pans and World Championship silver medals. Raymond epitomizes the masters division mentality that age is merely a number, proving that high-level competition still flows through his veins.

Master 7

Wellington Dias

The world's #1 ranked master 6 male athlete, Wellington Dias, returns to the 2026 European Championships, this time entering the master 7 lightweight division. Famously known as ‘Megaton,’ the Gracie Humaita competitor captured his third consecutive master 6 World Championship in 2025, alongside a European title and Pans double-gold honors. Megaton undoubtedly has high expectations, both for claiming another major title and delivering the exciting matches for which he has become known for. Sure to attract significant attention, Megaton is unquestionably one of the most exciting master competitors to watch at this year’s European Championships.