IBJJF’s The Crown welcomed some of the world’s best gi athletes to the Pyramid in Long Beach, CA, this weekend. The brackets featured an exciting mix of World Champions and rising stars across six weight divisions. Compelling narratives surrounded this prestigious event, culminating in a fascinating and masterful exhibition of jiu-jitsu.

 

Five returning champions entered the field hoping to repeat their success, yet only three athletes successfully defended their Crown titles. Rookie black belts achieved remarkable success, highlighted by Sarah Galvão’s dominant run through the female lightweight division. Elite academies brought their talent in force, vying to cement their place as the top team.

 

Here is a closer look at the brackets, champions, and key storylines from each division.

 

Male Featherweight

The 154lb division presented a deep bracket that included top-seeds João Mendes and Cole Abate. As anticipated, the featherweight division delivered a display of high-level technique and tactics, resulting in a series of tightly contested matches. Ahead of the competition, Cole Abate noted, “Featherweight is probably the most saturated division with guys who could possibly win,” a prediction that proved true after witnessing a weekend of narrow victories and defeats.

 

Cole Abate ultimately secured the 2025 Crown by defeating João Mendes in the final. At just 21 years old, Cole adds this prestigious title to his rapidly growing resume, establishing himself as one of the top competitors in the world at his weight. Cole’s path included challenging quarterfinal and semifinal matches against Danilo Morreira and Kennedy Maciel, respectively. The semifinal contest against Kennedy was a highly anticipated rematch of the 2025 European Championship final, which ended in a razor-thin decision loss for Cole. This time, Cole strategically earned an advantage victory and his place in the final. Cole’s victory secured another champion for AOJ, marking their second consecutive title in the Crown featherweight division.

 

Female Lightweight

This was widely considered the most talented and competitive division at the 2025 Crown Championship. Lightweight competitors included former and current World Champions, rookie black belts, and the returning champion, Brianna Ste-Marie. Janaina Lebre, Brianna Ste-Marie, and Thalyta Silva were top seeds alongside fellow IBJJF World Champions Bia Basilio and Elisabeth Clay (No-Gi World Champion); however, no single athlete was considered a heavy favorite in this stacked bracket. These experienced competitors faced a pair of talented rookie black belts, Cassia Moura and Sarah Galvão.

 

Despite the abundance of talent and prospective storylines, none shone brighter than Sarah Galvão. In three matches at The Crown, Sarah defeated the returning champion, one of the sport's most talented rising stars, and the 2025 World Champion, all without relinquishing a single point. At just 19 years of age, Sarah has captured the attention of the entire jiu-jitsu community. The Atos Dream Team product carried significant buzz entering the event, to which she expressed, “Of course I feel the adrenaline and the butterflies, but nervous is not even close to what I’m feeling. I feel great.” Sarah is undefeated since earning her black belt in June, culminating in her extraordinary run to earn The Crown title. It appears no athlete carries more momentum heading into 2026 than Sarah Galvão.

 

The division, with all its well-deserved hype, certainly lived up to expectations. Bia Basilio’s return to competition after an extended absence was a welcome sight for jiu-jitsu fans, and she looked impressive against three world-class opponents. Cassia Moura, the 19-year-old Bruno Bastos product, turned heads en route to her bronze medal honors. As the reigning No-Gi World Champion, Cassia proved she is capable of competing for championships in any division. Janaina Lebre continued to impress, earning a silver medal to add to her stellar 2025 campaign. Though ultimately, it was Sarah Galvão who captured the spotlight and The Crown in 2025.

 

Male Middleweight

The returning champion, Andy Murasaki, headlined the middleweight division, which was filled with young prospects. Jackson Nagai and Pedro Maia also brought their World Championship experience to the bracket. Luiz Victor, Jose Steve, Mateus Moraes, Danylo Wruck, and Mateo Cardona all received their black belts this year, eager to prove themselves at the highest level.

 

Atos representative, Andy Murasaki, was aiming to repeat as champion in 2025, but his path was not easy. After a tightly contested quarterfinal matchup with Mateo Cardona, Murasaki defeated Pedro Maia, earning his spot in the finals yet again. Meanwhile, Jackson Nagai showcased his exciting style to move past Luiz Victor and Mateus Moraes, setting the stage for a top-seeded showdown. Despite Nagai’s continuous resistance, Andy displayed world-class control throughout the match. Murasaki ultimately captured The Crown for a second consecutive year, affirming his status as one of the top middleweights in the world.

 

The young talent in this division offered significant excitement for the future of this weight class. Although none of these impressive prospects captured the ultimate Crown glory, they ensured they earned their place among the very best the world has to offer.

 

Andy Murasaki looks toward 2026 with high expectations and immense confidence. Both no-gi and gi seasons present Andy with a wealth of opportunity to build upon his already impressive resume.

 

Male Heavyweight

Adam Wardzinski returned to defend his Crown Title from 2024, a major news story following his recent retirement from competitive jiu-jitsu. Lucas ‘Hulk’ Barbosa rejoined IBJJF competition after a two-year layoff, winning his first-round matchup against a talented prospect, Windson Torres. Paulo Merlin of Gracie Barra showcased his skill, taking home the heavyweight bronze medal. Yet, the biggest storyline from the heavyweight division was, undoubtedly, Nolan Stuart from Brea Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

 

Nolan faced off with Robson Chaves in the quarterfinals, displaying excellent top pressure and control leading to a decisive win via points. Lucas Barbosa met Nolan in the semifinals, resulting in a narrow decision victory for the Brea Jiu-Jitsu representative. On the opposing side of the bracket, Adam Wardzinski cruised into the finals with two impressive points victories. The heavyweight final culminated in arguably the most exciting moment of the night: an omoplata victory for Nolan Stuart. Overcoming the massive challenge that Adam presented, Nolan proved that both his omoplata system and his competitive spirit are world-class.

 

The 23-year-old Nolan Stuart appears to be entering the prime of his career as he heads into the 2026 season, riding high on the momentum of his prestigious title at The Crown this weekend. With Adam Wardzinski likely slowing his competitive activity, it may just be Nolan’s turn to dominate the heavyweight division.

 

Female Super-Heavyweight

World Champion veterans faced off against young talent in this year’s super-heavyweight division. Gabi Pessanha headlined the bracket as she was aiming for her third straight Crown title, while Larissa Dias and Tayane Porfirio were poised to compete for the finals opportunity. Exciting prospects Maria Alencar and Maria ‘Maca’ Vicentini showcased admirable performances. Alencar lost in the third-place match to World Champion Larissa Dias, after defeating Izadora Cristina via Shoulder Lock in the opening round. Maca lost a close match in the quarterfinals to Tayane Porfirio, who ultimately challenged Gabi in the finals.

 

Gabi Pessanha secured her finals spot by utilizing her devastating straight ankle lock in both matches. This set the stage for a rematch with her well-known rival, Tayane Porfirio, who had ended Gabi’s incredible unbeaten streak earlier this year at Brasileiros. Gabi, once again, showcased her dominant guard play, sweeping Tayane, securing back position, and controlling Tayane from the bottom. Gabi has yet to lose a match at The Crown for three consecutive years, cementing her title as the ‘Queen of Jiu-Jitsu.’

 

At 25 years of age, Gabi’s resume is astonishing. Her game continues to evolve as she stacks world titles and accomplishments on her way to becoming one of the greatest jiu-jitsu athletes of all time. Gabi Pessanha’s third consecutive Crown title represents her consistent growth, to which she stated, “This means a lot to me. I always try to get better, as an athlete and a person. Today was amazing.”

 

Male Ultra-Heavyweight

Ultra-heavyweight hopefuls entered the LBSU Pyramid aiming to displace the two-time Crown Champion, Erich Munis. Gustavo ‘Braguinha’ Batista moved his World Championship resume up multiple weight divisions. Francisco Papasidero and Marcos Carrozzino accepted late-notice invitations, while Pedro Lucas and Elder Cruz brought extensive high-level experience into the bracket.

 

The ultra-heavyweight division delivered tremendous excitement to the mats, starting in the quarterfinals, which saw all four matches end via submission. Francisco Papasidero stunned Pedro Lucas with a come-from-behind victory using his powerful Katagatame. Meanwhile, Erich Munis proved why he garnered so much attention with a first-round finish via brabo choke.

 

The finals match pitted Braguinha against Erich Munis for The Crown title. Erich utilized his world-class guard to take the lead in a competitive match that he controlled throughout. Braguinha, undersized at ultra-heavyweight, offered a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against the #1 ranked gi athlete in the world. Erich captured his third consecutive Crown title en route to an undefeated 2025 campaign.

 

2025 IBJJF The Crown Champions

 

Male Featherweight: Cole Abate

Female Lightweight: Sarah Galvao

Male Middleweight: Andy Murasaki

Male Heavyweight: Nolan Stuart

Female Super-Heavyweight: Gabi Pessanha

Male Ultra-Heavyweight: Erich Munis

 

Male Featherweight (154.6 lbs)

 

QF - Cole Abate def. Danilo Moreira via Points (4x2)

QF - João Mendes def. Keven Carraso via Decision

QF - Kennedy Maciel def Marco Mendes via Advantage (3x1)

QF - Eduardo Granzotto def Ademir Barreto via Advantage (3x2)

SF - Cole Abate def Kennedy Maciel via Advantage (3x1)

SF - João Mendes def Eduardo Granzotto via Decision

3P - Kennedy Maciel def Eduardo Granzotto via DQ

F - Cole Abate def João Mendes via Points (4x2)

 

Female Lightweight (141.6 lbs)

 

QF - Janaina Lebre def Sabrina Gondim via Ezekiel Choke

QF - Cassia Moura def Thalyta Silva via Points (6x0)

QF - Bianca Basilio def Elisabeth Clay via Points (7x4)

QF - Sarah Galvao def Brianna Ste-Marie via Collar Choke

SF - Janaina Lebre def Bianca Basilio via Points (4x2)

SF -Sarah Galvao def Cassia Moura via Decision

3P - Cassia Moura def Bianca Basilio via Points (2x0)

F - Sarah Galvao def Janaina Lebre via Advantage (1x0)

 

Male Middleweight (181.6 lbs)

 

QF - Andy Murasaki def Mateo Cardona via Decision

QF - Jackson Nagai def Luiz Victor via Decision

QF - Pedro Maia def Danylo Wruck via Points (2x0)

QF - Mateus Moraes def Jose Steve via Decision

SF - Andy Murasaki def Pedro Maia via Advantage (2x0)

SF - Jackson Nagai def Mateus Moraes via Points (2x0)

3P - Pedro Maia def Mateus Moraes via Points (4x2)

F - Andy Murasaki def Jackson Nagai via Points (4x0)

 

Male Heavyweight (208 lbs)

 

QF - Adam Wardzinski def Igor Tanabe via Points (6x2)

QF - Lucas Barbosa def Windson Torres via Decision

QF - Paulo Merlin def Mateus Rodrigues via Points (2x0)

QF - Nolan Stuart def Robson Chaves via Points (8x2)

SF - Adam Wardzinski def Paulo Merlin (7x0)

SF -  Nolan Stuart def Lucas Barbosa via Decision

3P - Paulo Merlin def Lucas Barbosa via DQ

F - Nolan Stuart def Adam Wardzinski via Omaplata

 

Female Superheavyweight 

 

QF - Gabi Pessanha def Anabel Lopez via Straight Ankle Lock

QF - Tayane Porfirio def Maria Vicentini via Points (3x0)

QF - Maria Alencar def Izadora Cristina via Shoulder Lock

QF - Larissa Dias def Giovanna Carneiro via Collar Choke

SF - Gabi Pessanha def Maria Alencar via Straight Ankle Lock

SF - Tayane Porfirio def Larissa Dias via Advantage (1x0)

3P - Larissa Dias def Maria Alencar via Toehold 

F - Gabi Pessanha def Tayane Porfirio via Points (6x0)

 

Male Ultraheavyweight 

 

QF - Erich Munis def Paulo Lanzillotti via Brabo Choke

QF - Gustavo Batista def Elder Cruz via Collar Choke

QF - Marcos Carrozzino def Guilherme Avelino via Collar Choke

QF - Francisco Papasidero def Pedro Lucas via Arm Triangle Choke

SF - Erich Munis def Marcos Carrozzino via Lapel Choke

SF - Gustavo Batista def Francisco Papasidero via Points (6x4)

3P - Francisco Papasidero def Marcos Carrozzino via Points (9x0)

F - Erich Munis def Gustavo Batista via Points (4x0)