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2026 IBJJF Crown 

The Crown presented  showcases the most elite athletes on the global competition scene. The one-night, invitation-only event highlights the immense skill and ambition of the sport’s top competitors. From highly-anticipated prospects, to proven World Champion stars, the Crown assembles some of the most exciting brackets of the year. 

 

The 2026 Crown featherweight division highlights the world-class talent bursting from the event. Among the division’s skilled contenders is Sam ‘Samurai’ Nagai. The Inevat Jiu-Jitsu representative embodies the Crown competition. A former World Champion who continues to excel on the sport’s biggest stages, Sam remains one of the most feared featherweight contenders in the world.

“I’m a complete competitor, both physically and mentally. Aggressive, focused on submissions, and no stalling.” 

 

Samurai’s Success - Crown, Worlds, & More

Sam recognized his first major breakthrough at the 2018 World Championships. A purple belt at the time, Sam defeated many of the top featherweight prospects to secure the title. Fast-forward five years, and Sam Nagai is back on the World Championship stage at the black belt level. The 2023 Worlds witnessed Sam capture the black belt featherweight title and cement himself as the sport’s top featherweight athlete. 

 

To continue his fascinating 2023 season, Sam competed in the inaugural Crown event in the featherweight division. His two-match run witnessed him defeat a pair of former World Champion opponents to capture the 2023 Crown featherweight title and finalize his incredible campaign. 

 

Beyond the titles and historic achievements, Sam remains dedicated to the art itself. His refined technique and warrior’s mentality embody the jiu-jitsu ethos. Sam’s fascinating style has warranted the attention and admiration of the wider jiu-jitsu community as a dangerous contender who consistently delivers exciting performances.

“My goal isn’t to collect titles. I believe it’s about showing that gi jiu-jitsu can still be exciting to watch, especially with styles like mine, aggressive and always looking for action.”

 

 

Featherweight Phenoms Collide

Now returning to the event as a confident veteran with extensive experience on the sport’s biggest stages, Sam aims to reclaim the throne he once sat on. In 2026, he secured a pair of silver medals at the Pan and World Championship events, setting the stage for another breakthrough moment at the 2026 Crown. 

“It’s been a great year with a lot of learning. I’ve performed well in every competition I’ve entered this year, reaching the finals of two major IBJJF competitions. Now, with The Crown, my goal is to perform at a high level and put on a great show for the fans.”

 

The featherweight division is set to feature a combination of World Champion veterans and rising talents on the international stage. Competitors such as Ademir Barreto and Keven Carrasco bring experience and elite technique, while contenders such as Will Wilson, Jun Yong Cho, and Mateo Cardona deliver youthful energy and strong momentum. Rerisson Gabriel enters as a former Pan Champion and reigning Brasileiro Champion, alongside former World Champion Joao ‘Bisnaga’ Mendes who enters the competition with supreme confidence and spotlight expertise. 

“I found it (featherweight bracket) very interesting, especially because they invited different athletes compared to the previous editions of The Crown. There are also some of them I’ve never faced before, so I believe it will be very interesting.”

 

Despite the talent in the division, Sam remains the favorite to capture his second Crown featherweight title. If the Inevat athlete is able to triumph in the division, he would become the first two-time featherweight Crown champion in the event’s history. 

 

The Crown represents the pinnacle of competition jiu-jitsu as the exclusive invitation-only event presents the world’s top athletes for a fascinating jiu-jitsu spectacle. The event is designed to provide the community with unique opportunities to witness world-class competitors clash in a bracket-style competition. 

“It’s very important to see the IBJJF putting on events like this. It’s necessary for our sport to continue growing, and as a federation, it’s important to have events like these to give our athletes even more value and recognition.”

 

 

Historic Venue x Prestigious Event

The 2026 IBJJF Crown is set to commence on November 8th from the Pyramid in Long Beach, California. Forty-eight of the most elite jiu-jitsu athletes converge under the special event spotlight with distinct Crown title aspirations. Sam Nagai is amongst the event’s favorites to walk away with a Crown title and the accompanying $20,000 prize. The most prestigious competition venue in jiu-jitsu prepares to welcome historic achievements at the fourth edition of The Crown. Sam Nagai summarized the Pyramid best by saying, “It’s the place where dreams come true.”

 

The 2026 Crown projects to deliver a full-slate of intense matchups between world-renowned athletes. Sam Nagai draws specific attention, not only as a proven champion, but as one of the most exciting athletes in the sport. His must-watch stylistic showmanship stands as a threat to fellow contenders, and inspiration to future generations. When asked about what the fans can expect from the Samurai on November 8th, his answer was straightforward. 

“A lot of action.”

 

To watch the event live at the famous Pyramid in Long Beach, California buy your tickets. Otherwise, tune in to FloGrappling for the exclusive live stream of the one-night, invitation-only event.