The dawn of the new year marks the beginning of a fresh season for IBJJF athletes, all keenly focused on securing their place in history. The first major event of the year is rapidly approaching, as the world’s most accomplished competitors converge upon Lisbon, Portugal, for the highly anticipated 2026 European Championships. This elite collection of talent, rising stars, and compelling narratives will be live on FloGrappling on January 15th.

Registration for the European Championships has officially closed, and the roster of confirmed athletes promise phenomenal action. The 2025 edition set a high standard for jiu-jitsu competition, generating significant anticipation for this season’s event. The black belt divisions are stacked with the sport's biggest names, guaranteeing high-stakes matchups and captivating storylines for spectators to immerse themselves in.

Top-tier academies are mobilizing their best competitors to pursue the esteemed European Championship glory. The attention of the jiu-jitsu world is firmly fixed on returning Grand Slam Champions, including Gabi Pessanha, Diego Oliveira, and Tainan Dalpra. A dynamic new generation of female black belts, featuring Ashlee and Mia Funegra, Cassia Moura, Sarah Galvão, and Lillian Marchand, has already taken the black belt division by storm. Reigning World Champions are poised to test their mettle, a group headlined by Jalen Fonacier, Roosevelt Sousa, Mayssa Bastos, Larissa Campos, and Erich Munis. Furthermore, popular European circuit athletes such as Davi and Matheus Vetoraci, Tarik Hopstock, and Shay Montague are certain to draw a passionate wave of regional support. The competition is overflowing with world-class talent, all vying to seize the sport's attention and claim the first major title of 2026.

The jiu-jitsu community is presented with an opportunity to witness an assortment of the sport's greatest athletes compete for the European Championship. As the competitors finalize their preparations, the global spotlight intensifies on one of the premier events of the 2026 season. Fans are guaranteed to watch the sport’s most elite athletes battle fiercely for the European Championship title. Mark your calendars for the can't-miss action beginning on January 15th, exclusively on FloGrappling.