The Pinnacle of BJJ Competition
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition has evolved from a niche activity into a global sport with hundreds of thousands of active competitors. But among the many tournaments held worldwide each year, certain events stand out as the ones that define careers, create legends, and attract the best grapplers on the planet.
Here are the 15 tournaments every BJJ competitor should know — whether you're a hobbyist planning your bucket list or a serious competitor mapping out your career.
Tier 1: The Majors
1. IBJJF World Championship (Mundials)
Location: United States (typically California) | When: May/June
The undisputed most prestigious tournament in BJJ. Winning Worlds is the ultimate achievement in the sport. The gi Mundials attract the highest concentration of elite black belts on the planet. This is where legends like Roger Gracie, Marcus "Buchecha" Almeida, and Gordon Ryan have cemented their legacies.
2. ADCC World Championship
Location: Varies (recent: Las Vegas) | When: Every 2 years
The most prestigious no-gi grappling event. ADCC's unique ruleset — no points in the first half, submission-focused — produces the most exciting matches in the sport. Qualification is through invite or regional trials held worldwide.
3. IBJJF No-Gi World Championship
Location: United States | When: December
The gi's counterpart for no-gi specialists. As no-gi grappling continues to grow in popularity, this event has become increasingly competitive and prestigious.
Tier 2: Continental Championships
4. IBJJF European Championship
Location: Lisbon, Portugal (typically) | When: January/February
The largest IBJJF tournament by number of competitors. Europeans regularly attract 5,000+ athletes and serve as the first major test of the competition year. The energy in Lisbon is unmatched.
5. IBJJF Pan American Championship
Location: United States | When: March/April
A major stepping stone to Worlds. Pans draws top talent from North and South America and increasingly from European and Asian competitors seeking world-level experience.
6. IBJJF Brazilian Nationals
Location: Brazil | When: Varies
Competing where BJJ was born. The Brazilian Nationals features incredibly deep brackets at every belt level, fueled by the highest concentration of BJJ academies in the world.
Tier 3: Professional Tour Events
7. AJP World Pro Championship
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE | When: Season-ending
The crown jewel of the AJP tour. Features significant prize money and attracts top competitors from around the world. The professional atmosphere and production quality set it apart.
8. AJP Grand Slam Abu Dhabi
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE | When: Annual
The flagship Grand Slam event. Competing in Abu Dhabi, the spiritual home of AJP, is a unique experience for any BJJ competitor.
9. AJP Grand Slam Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Japan | When: Annual
Japan's deep grappling culture makes this Grand Slam one of the most atmospheric events on the tour. Strong local competitors add an extra dimension.
Tier 4: National and Regional Championships
10. Championnat de France CFJJB
Location: France | When: Spring
The official French national championship. Essential for any France-based competitor and increasingly attracting international participants as France's BJJ scene grows.
11. IBJJF London Open
Location: London, UK | When: Annual
One of the largest IBJJF Opens in Europe. Draws competitors from across the UK and continental Europe.
12. IBJJF Paris Open
Location: Paris, France | When: Annual
A key event for European competitors and a gateway to IBJJF competition for the large French BJJ community.
Tier 5: High-Value Alternatives
13. Grappling Industries World Tour
Location: Multiple cities worldwide | When: Year-round
The round-robin format guarantees 3-4 matches minimum. Affordable, well-organized, and available in cities across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
14. NAGA World Championship
Location: United States | When: Annual
NAGA's flagship event. With beginner-friendly divisions and a wide range of experience levels, it's an excellent stepping stone for newer competitors.
15. Newaza Challenge
Location: France/Europe | When: Multiple events per year
A growing federation with well-organized events that are particularly popular in France. Professional organization and competitive pricing make Newaza events accessible to all levels.
Planning Your Competition Season
With so many tournaments across different federations, countries, and dates, planning a competition season is a logistical challenge. Which events align with your schedule? Which are within your travel budget? Where can you find registration links and venue details?
BJJ Championships was built to answer these exact questions. Our platform is the only calendar that aggregates competitions from all major federations worldwide — IBJJF, AJP, CFJJB, NAGA, Newaza, Grappling Industries, ADCC, and more.
- Search by country, federation, or date range
- Get direct registration links for every event
- View exact venue addresses on an interactive map
- Export competitions to your personal calendar
Whether you're targeting IBJJF Worlds or looking for a local Grappling Industries event, find it all in one place.