The 2025 Brasileiros showcased the beauty and passion of jiu-jitsu in its birthplace, bringing together over 7,300 competitors across the adult, juvenile, and master divisions for one of the most prestigious events of the year. Held in Brazil, where jiu-jitsu was born and continues to thrive, the tournament delivered an electric atmosphere that competitors often describe as unlike any other. The black belt divisions, the most anticipated of the event, closed out the weekend on May 3rd and 4th, showcasing high-level technique, intense rivalries, and emotional victories. More than just a championship, the Brasileiros are a celebration of the art, culture, and passion that define Jiu-Jitsu in its homeland. 

Pessanha Reigns in Absolute, Tayane Triumphs in Super Heavy

Gabrieli Pessanha has reigned as the queen of jiu-jitsu since earning her black belt at just 18 years old in 2019. By the time she stepped onto the mats at the 2025 Brasileiros, she had already racked up an astonishing résumé: 8 World titles, 7 Pan titles, 8 European titles, and 6 Brasileiro championships. In São Paulo, she stormed into both the super heavyweight and absolute finals with five submission victories.

In the super heavyweight final, Gabrieli faced off against Tayane Porfirio, whom she had defeated earlier in the absolute bracket via a choke from the back. This time, Tayane surged ahead with a sweep and a takedown, building a 4-0 lead before the halfway point. Gabrieli rallied with a late sweep, but Tayane held firm to capture her third Brasileiro title and first since winning double gold in 2017.

Gabrieli bounced back in the absolute final, facing Yara Soares. In a tightly contested match, Gabrieli secured a sweep about three minutes in and maintained her 2-0 lead to the end. With the victory, she completed her fourth consecutive IBJJF Absolute Grand Slam for the 2024/2025 season, a feat that further cements her legacy among the all-time greats.

Erich Munis and Scooby Dominate Divisions and Meet in Absolute Final

Marcus “Scooby” Ribeiro and Erich Munis delivered standout performances at the 2025 Brasileiros, tearing through both their weight classes and the absolute division. In the absolute, Erich submitted two of his three opponents, while Scooby impressed with a perfect submission rate, tapping all three of his challengers.

Their dominance wasn’t limited to the open class. Erich captured gold in the super heavyweight division, winning all three of his matches, including a submission over 2025 Pan Champion Nolan Stuart in the final. Scooby, competing in the ultra heavyweight category, also secured gold with two finishes in three bouts.

The two closed out the tournament in a highly anticipated male black belt absolute final. In a tightly contested match, Erich edged out the win with a well-timed sweep. By the end of the event, both athletes had secured seven victories each, Erich with four submissions and Scooby with five, cementing their place among the weekend’s most impressive performances.

Jansen’s Long-Awaited Brasileiro Debut Ends in Gold

2023 World Champion Jansen Gomes made his long-awaited return to competition at the 2025 Brasileiros, marking his first appearance since the 2024 World Championships. After sustaining an injury at last year’s Worlds, where he managed to take silver in both his weight class and the absolute, Jansen was eager to get back on the mats and build on his prior results.

This was not only his 2025 competition debut, but also his first time competing at the Brasileiros in nine years and his first appearance at the event as a black belt. Jansen made the most of it in São Paulo, putting on a commanding performance that included four victories, three of which came by choke from the back.

What truly set his run apart was his relentless pressure, dynamic guard passing, and uncanny ability to take the back from nearly any position. With four wins and a gold medal, Jansen added the prestigious Brasileiro title to his growing list of accolades.

Wardzinski and Pato Join Gabrieli in Completing Grand Slam Season

Adam Wardzinski’s road to the Grand Slam began at the 2024 World Championships, where he earned his first-ever Worlds title in dominant fashion, submitting all of his opponents. He needed just one more title to secure the Grand Slam for the 2024/2025 season, and he accomplished that feat with two submissions and a total of three victories in Sao Paulo. Over the course of the 2024/2025 season, Adam racked up 13 victories and 8 submissions across the four major tournaments, finishing the Grand Slam with a 61.5% submission rate.

Diego “Pato” Oliveira returned to the light featherweight division for the first time in 2025 at the Brasileiros, after securing gold at the Europeans and Pans as a featherweight. Back in the division where he’s already captured three black belt World titles, Pato reminded everyone of his dominance. He won four matches en route to gold, submitting three of his opponents, including a rear naked choke finish in the final.

With their victories in São Paulo, both Wardzinski and Pato joined Gabrieli Pessanha in achieving the coveted IBJJF Grand Slam for the 2024/2025 season.

AOJ Tops Adult Black Belt Medal Count In Brazil

Art of Jiu Jitsu delivered a phenomenal performance at the 2025 Brasileiros, securing six adult black belt gold medals, more than any other team at the event.

In addition to Diego “Pato” Oliveira’s gold in the light featherweight division, five other AOJ athletes reached the top of the podium. Mayssa Bastos returned to roosterweight and captured her fourth black belt Brasileiro title with two decisive wins. Janaina Lebre continued her dominant 2025 campaign. After winning gold at the Europeans and Pans, she added the Brasileiros title with three victories, including a finals win over Crown Champion Brianna Ste-Marie.

Tainan Dalpra, a two-time World Champion, made a triumphant return to São Paulo, where he previously won gold in 2023. He finished three of his four matches via submission before outscoring Team Lloyd Irvin’s Elijah Dorsey in a high-paced final. Dorsey had racked up three submissions of his own and was having the best tournament of his career, but Tainan’s control and composure earned him the win on points.

Featherweight Cole Abate battled through the always tough featherweight division to win his first major black belt title in the gi. In the final, Cole faced 2X Brasileiro Champion Isaac Doederlein of Alliance. In a razor-close match, Cole came away victorious after a 2-2, 1-0 advantage score. 

Maria “Maca” Vicentini added another major title to her resume after winning the Pans earlier this season. Once again, she met Aurelie Le Vern in the final, this time securing a more convincing 6-2 points victory, compared to her razor-thin advantage win at Pans. 

The following are the black belt adult champions and the adult team champions from the 2025 Brasileiros.

Female

Rooster - Mayssa Bastos, AOJ

Light Feather - Brenda Larissa, Alliance

Feather - Cassia Moura, LEAD BJJ

Light - Janaina Lebre, AOJ

Middle - Elisabeth Clay, Ares

Medium-Heavy - Maria Vincentini, AOJ

Heavy - Yara Soares, Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 

Super Heavy - Tayane Porfirio, Alliance 

Absolute - Gabrieli Pessanha, InFight JJ

Male

Rooster - Rodrigo Otavio, Vision

Light Feather - Diego Pato, AOJ

Feather - Cole Abate, AOJ

Light - Lucas Maquine, Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Middle - Tainan Dalpra, AOJ

Medium-Heavy - Jansen Gomes, CheckMat

Heavy - Adam Wardzinski, CheckMat

Super Heavy - Erich Munis, Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu

Ultra Heavy - Marcus “Scooby” Ribeiro, Alliance

Absolute -  Eric Munis, Soldiers Jiu-Jitsu

Academy Results - Adult Male

1. Alliance

2. DreamArt

3. CheckMat

Academy Results - Adult Female

1.Atos Jiu-Jitsu

2. Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

3. DreamArt