Standout blue belts delivered exhilarating performances across the nineteen divisions. The 2026 World Championships showcased the depth of talent and immense ability within the blue belt category, reassuring the future of jiu-jitsu is in capable hands. Highlight athletes are celebrated not only for their remarkable accomplishments, but for displaying thrilling performances and efficient technique.

 

Helena Ferreira

Helena Ferreira stole the show in the blue belt category at the 2026 World Championships. Her dominant campaign began in the lightweight division where she submitted each of her four opponents. Helena utilized a pair of breadcutter finishes and two lapel chokes from the back to capture the lightweight World title. The Vision representative returned to action in the absolute division to claim three more victories and her second gold medal. Helena earned four major event titles in 2026, capping off her phenomenal blue belt career with Worlds double-gold glory. Throughout her campaign, Helena has showcased the skillset, grit, and confidence reminiscent of a world-class athlete. Specifically, her consistent application into the absolute division as a lightweight competitor represents her self-belief and willingness to accept challenges. Helena enters the lightweight purple belt division as an immediate contender on the world stage.

 

Guilherme ‘Castellinho’ Camargo

Rising CheckMat talent, Guilherme Castellinho, delivered a resilient effort at the 2026 World Championships. Castellinho entered the event after having secured Brasileiro and European titles in 2026, setting the stage for a triumphant Worlds outing. The CheckMat prospect secured five victories in the medium-heavyweight division to capture the gold medal, and opted to pursue a second medal in the absolute division. Castellinho defeated three more opponents to meet his teammate in the finals, settling for the silver medal in open class competition. Castellinho enjoyed his purple belt promotion atop the Worlds podium, culminating a remarkable event for the young athlete.

 

Matheus Silva

CheckMat standout Matheus Silva displayed distinctive resilience and vigor throughout his bronze and gold medal performance at the 2026 World Championships. Matheus commenced his run with two victories and a bronze medal in the super-heavyweight division. Most impressively, the young prospect returned to competition against multiple weight division champions in the open class bracket. Matheus secured victories over elite blue belt talent such as Luca Ximenes, Arthur Cunha, and Mauricio Wanderley to secure his absolute title. Matheus showcased his heart with multiple gritty performances, and his immense skillset against top prospects. 

 

Chloe Pereira

The Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu product entered the World Championship event with immense expectations with Pan, European, and Brasileiro titles already secured in 2026. Chloe’s elite triangle system was on display again, utilizing aspects of it across all three of her roosterweight victories. Chloe Pereira finalizes the 2026 season as the top-ranked global female purple belt, representing a campaign marked by consistency, efficiency, and ability. Chloe earned a belt promotion atop the Worlds podium, signifying a transition into the purple belt division where she immediately becomes a contender at any event.

 

Arthur ‘Gordao’ Cunha

DreamArt standout Arthur Gordao reigned supreme in the blue belt heavyweight division. Arthur secured an opening-round submission before accumulating forty-two unanswered points across his quarter and semifinal matches. The rising prospect continued his dominant campaign, earning a finals stoppage to capture the World Championship title. The triumph marks his third major title of the 2026 season, and a redemption from his silver medal finish in the last Worlds edition. Arthur received his purple belt promotion at the hands of Professor Isaque Bahiense, finalizing a special 2026 World Championship event for the young talent.

 

Peyton Sandner

The light-featherweight division was controlled by Ares BJJ representative, Peyton Sandner. Peyton completed a four-match run, in which she refused to relinquish a single point. The young prospect captured loop choke and rear-naked-choke finishes en route to defeating her finals opponent by eleven points. Peyton showcased a thrilling, submission-oriented style that witnessed her consistently progressing toward finishes. Ares BJJ has a bright prospect, who immediately after receiving her gold medal, also received her purple belt promotion. The triumph marked Peyton’s lone major title at the blue belt level, but certainly seems as though it will not be her last.

 

Brendo Rozendo 

Atos Jiu-Jitsu product Brendo Rozendo entered the 2026 World Championships with momentum from his Brasileiro open class triumph. Brendo again showcased his top-form with a six-match run through the blue belt lightweight division. The rising prospect secured four submission finishes against six high-level opponents, showcasing his exciting brand of jiu-jitsu on the globe’s grandest stage. Brendo immediately steps into the purple belt division as a serious threat to extend his accomplished color belt career.

 

Maurício Wanderley

A young prospect out of Alliance São Paulo dazzled the World Championship spectators. Maurício Wanderley captured three submissions through four victories to earn the super-heavyweight blue belt World title. The Alliance athlete continued his day with a pair of open class wins to claim an absolute bronze medal. His success marked his third Grand Slam event title claimed in the 2026 season, and the end of his blue belt career. Maurício now commences what is sure to be an exciting purple belt career, with the success of a phenomenal blue belt campaign undoubtedly confirming his skillset.

 

Makenzie Donkin 

Makenzie Donkin shocked the middleweight division, as the #15 seed out of sixteen competitors rose to the top of the podium. The Gracie Barra athlete was immediately tested in the opening round by the top-seed in the bracket, whom she defeated via nine unanswered points. Makenzie went on to submit her quarterfinal opponent and outpoint her semifinal foe. Makenzie then squared off with the #2 seed in the bracket, securing a lapel choke to clinch her first adult World title. Makenzie successfully represented Australia and her Gracie Barra team on the world stage with a remarkable gold medal performance. Makenzie will likely receive further recognition as a top prospect in the color belt divisions, leading to further opportunity and attention on the international competition circuit.

 

Murilo Cardoso 

The lightweight division boasted seventy-two contenders and witnessed the crowning of Murilo Cardoso of Alliance Porto Alegre. Murilo entered the bracket as the #3 seed and delivered a thrilling performance on the grand stage. The Alliance prospect commenced his run with a pair of lapel choke finishes from the back, showcasing his relentless submission-oriented approach. Murilo proceeded to outscore his opponents 9-0 across his next two matches, leading him into the lightweight semifinals. A seven point victory set up an electric finals finish, in which Murilo captured a beautiful triangle choke finish to secure the World title. Murilo earned his belt promotion atop the Worlds podium, marking the end of a successful blue belt campaign, and beginning of a promising purple belt tenure.

 

Emari Brown 

Emari Brown entered the 2026 World Championship heavyweight division as the #3 seed following her Pans triumph earlier this season. Emari commenced her run with a strong kimura finish, setting up a semifinal against the reigning Brasileiro Champion. The Fabin Rosa athlete was able to command the match, resulting in a ten point victory and finals placement. Emari was significantly challenged again, this time by the reigning European Champion Francesca Recchi. After six minutes of intense action with a World title hanging in the balance, Emari was able to secure the victory. Fabi Rosa BJJ certainly has a bright prospect in Emari, who earned her purple belt along with the fourth World title of her young career.

 

Patrick Gnaye

The middleweight division witnessed the #10 seed rise above his competition. Patrick Gnaye of Arma completed a five-match campaign that included a pair of submission finishes. Patrick has opened up about health issues that deterred the beginning of his 2026 season, making his World title all the more special. The ascending athlete earned the first major title of his blue belt career, guaranteeing further attention and recognition as a color belt World Champion. Patrick’s ability, durability, and fighting spirit represent everything the prestigious event is about.