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Craig Jones Invitational 2: The Grappling Showdown of the Year
- Austin Jones
- May 13
- 2 min read
🥋 Craig Jones Invitational 2: The Grappling Showdown of the Year
The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) made waves in 2024 by offering a $1 million prize to the winner of each weight division. The inaugural event was a massive success, drawing top-tier talent and a global audience. Building on that momentum, Craig Jones Invitational 2 is set to take place on August 30–31, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. This year's event promises to be even bigger and more exciting.
🔥 What Makes CJI 2 Bigger and Better?
1. Quintet-Style Team Format
Unlike the individual tournaments of CJI 1, CJI 2 introduces a team-based competition inspired by the Quintet format. Eight teams, each consisting of five grapplers across the five traditional ADCC weight classes, will compete for the $1 million prize. This team dynamic adds a new layer of strategy and excitement to the event.
2. Expanded Team Rosters
The confirmed teams for CJI 2 include:
10th Planet: Led by Eddie Bravo, featuring Geo Martinez, Alan Sanchez, PJ Barch, Ryan Aitken, and Kyle Boehm.
New Wave Jiu-Jitsu: Coached by John Danaher, with Dorian Olivarez, Giancarlo Bodoni, Luke Griffith, Dan Manasoiu, and an internal trials winner.
B-Team Jiu-Jitsu: Under the guidance of Dima Murovanni, consisting of Ethan Crelinsten, Jozef Chen, Chris Wojcik, Nick Rodriguez, and Victor Hugo.
Team Australasia: Coached by Lachlan Giles, featuring Fabricio Andrey, Levi Jones-Leary, Lucas Kanard, Declan Moody, and Belal Etiabari.
Team Americas: Coach: Greg Souders.
Team Europe: Details to be announced.
These teams bring together some of the best grapplers from around the world, ensuring high-level competition and diverse styles.
3. Superfight: Craig Jones vs. Gable Steveson
A marquee superfight will headline the event, pitting BJJ star Craig Jones against Olympic gold medalist and former NCAA champion Gable Steveson. This clash of styles—wrestling versus Brazilian jiu-jitsu—promises to be a highlight of the tournament.
4. Enhanced Production and Global Reach
Building on the success of CJI 1, which garnered over 100,000 concurrent viewers, CJI 2 is set to expand its global reach. The event will be streamed live on YouTube, ensuring fans worldwide can witness the action. With improved production values and a larger venue, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
🏆 What to Expect from CJI 2
High-Stakes Team Battles: With $1 million on the line, teams will bring their A-game, leading to intense and strategic matchups.
Top-Tier Talent: The confirmed rosters feature some of the best grapplers in the world, ensuring high-level competition and exciting matches.
Global Audience: With the event being streamed live, fans from around the world can tune in to witness the action.
Unpredictable Outcomes: The team format adds an element of unpredictability, as team dynamics and strategies come into play.
CJI 2 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. With its innovative team format, star-studded rosters, and high-profile superfight, it promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fans and competitors alike.
For more updates and information on CJI 2, visit the official website at cji2.com
