The IBJJF European Jiu-Jitsu Championships are back in Portugal, and the jiu-jitsu community is beaming with excitement. Taking place from January 17th through the 25th at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Odivelas in Lisbon, the 2025 edition of the Europeans promises to be one of the most thrilling yet. After a five-year hiatus from Portugal—the last event held there was in January 2020—the tournament’s return has attracted over 6,000 registered competitors, making it one of the largest jiu-jitsu events of the year.

This historic event will see a gathering of some of the greatest black belt athletes in the world. A total of 22 black belt World Champions are set to compete, including super stars such as Gabrieli Pessanha, Ffion Davies, Tainan Dalpra, Diego “Pato” Oliveira, and Erich Munis. These athletes and many others will look to cement their legacies while entertaining jiu-jitsu fans worldwide.

Divisions and Athletes to Watch

Gabrieli Pessanha Aims to Continue Historic Reign

One of the most dominant competitors in jiu-jitsu history, 10-time World Champion Gabrieli Pessanha will compete in the super heavyweight division. Gabrieli’s dominance has been unparalleled, with her winning streak dating back to 2021. A six-time European Champion, she claimed double gold at the event in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Gabrieli’s quest for yet another title will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the tournament.

Ffion Davies Makes Triumphant Return

Ffion Davies is set to make her much-anticipated return to the Europeans. The Welsh phenom last competed in the event in 2020, when she secured double gold. A three-time European Champion, Ffion will aim for her fourth title in the lightweight division. Her return adds an extra layer of excitement to the 2025 edition of the Europeans.

Matheus Gabriel Is Back in Major Competitions

2019 World Champion Matheus Gabriel will make his return to major championship competition at the 2025 Europeans. His last major event was the 2023 World Championships nearly two years ago. In that time, Matheus has rehabbed a major injury and returned to the competition mats. He competed at the Lisbon and the Waco No-Gi Opens in 2024, going undefeated in his weight category and the absolute. Pablo Lavaselli, Thiago Saboia, Sandrey Silva, and Espen Mathiesen are among the other contenders in the lightweight division and will provide tough challenges for Matheus in his return.

Tainan Dalpra Set to Compete in Stacked Middleweight Division

Two-time black belt World Champion Tainan Dalpra is back in the middleweight division, aiming for his third European title after victories in 2022 and 2023. Though there will be many contenders for the gold medal at middleweight, Andy Murasaki of Atos Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most accomplished. Andy won the Europeans in the lightweight division in 2023 and most recently became the 2024 Crown Middleweight Champion. This matchup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the event.

Stacked Featherweight Division

The black belt male featherweight division at this year’s Europeans is one of the most competitive in history. With four black belt World Champions—Diego “Pato” Oliveira, Meyram Alves, Cole Abate, and Kennedy Maciel—the division is brimming with talent. Add in Diego Reis, Cleison Gabriel, João Mendes, Florian Bayili, and Sebastian Serpa, and you have a field that promises nonstop action. This division is guaranteed to deliver some of the most exciting matches in Lisbon.

Whether you’re a die-hard jiu-jitsu fan or a newcomer to the sport, the 2025 IBJJF European Jiu-Jitsu Championships are an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars for January 17th through the 25th, and prepare for a week of unforgettable moments in Lisbon! If you can't make it out to the event in person, be sure to watch all of the action live on FloGrappling.