1. The Inaugural Major Gi Tournament of 2026

The European Championships marks the highly anticipated launch of the Grand Slam season, offering elite, world-class athletes the crucial opportunity to begin their 2026 campaign by claiming a major title. The world’s most formidable competitors will converge in Lisbon, Portugal, all vying to capture the coveted Europeans title. Legends of the sport add to their extensive resumes, while returning champions aim to defend their titles, and rising stars continue to build their championship experience.

2. New Ranks, Defining Narratives

A multitude of athletes will commence their 2026 campaign, as well as their journey at a new belt. The European Championships is the proving ground where many of the sport’s most promising prospects will test their skills against high-level competition at a new rank. Rookie black belts such as Sarah Galvão and Lillian Marchand have already delivered impressive performances at their new belt, setting the stage for their first major gi event in Lisbon. They are joined by Jose Steve, Romulo Rocha, Eduardo Alves, Giovannah Oliveira, Nick Hartman, and many others, who will all compete in their respective black belt divisions for their rookie seasons. Furthermore, top color belt prospects including Agatha Nigro, Renan Silva, and Emily Leyva will continue their ascension through the ranks, making their grand slam gi debut with their new belt. Jiu-jitsu fans globally are presented with an incredible opportunity to witness the world’s top athletes embark on their journey through their new rank.

3. The Ascension of European Jiu-Jitsu

The European jiu-jitsu landscape has experienced an emphatic rise in recent years. This major 2026 season opener will see a mix of formidable homegrown talent and elite European transplants proudly representing their home countries. Lisbon-based athletes Matheus and Davi Vetoraci, Tarik Hopstock, and Shay Montague exemplify the world-class competitors who reside in and represent Europe on the global circuit. These elite athletes are instrumental in boosting the recognition of European jiu-jitsu and fostering increased opportunities for young prospects to pursue their dreams of becoming professional jiu-jitsu competitors. The continued rise of competitive jiu-jitsu throughout Europe effectively widens the sport’s international scope and elevates the competitive standard worldwide.

4. The Deepest, Most Talented Field Yet

An unparalleled assembly of top prospects, legendary veterans, and the sport’s biggest stars will be on full display at the European Championships. A record-breaking field of athletes descends upon Lisbon, Portugal, all seizing the opportunity to showcase their elite talents. Approximately 6,400 athletes across the juvenile, adult, and masters divisions are scheduled to compete for the first major title of the 2026 season. Europe hosts a catalogue of the world’s best talent for ten days of elite competition.

5. The Battle for Team Title Glory

The fiercely contested race for the European Championship team titles is officially underway. The world’s premier academies will deploy their most elite athletes, each hoping to secure their rightful place atop the team podium. Adult male and female, juvenile, and masters team trophies are all up for contention at this critical first grand slam event of 2026. Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has dominated the adult divisions for the past two years, but world-class academies such as Gracie Barra, Atos, Alliance, AOJ, CheckMat, and many others are ambitiously seeking to dethrone them en route to claiming top honors this year.

Catch all the action live from Lisbon, Portugal broadcasting exclusively on FloGrappling.