View a full and updated list of grapplers and teams competing at CJI 2 on August 30-31 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Following a wildly successful, blockbuster inaugural event in 2024, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) is set to return to action for its second event in late August 2025.
Once again, the event will take place at Las Vegas’ Thomas and Mack Center, but unlike last year, CJI 2 will have a team-based grappling competition similar to Quintet or Polaris Squads. Eight teams of five grapplers will compete for a $1 million grand prize. Of those eight teams, five will be representing some of BJJ’s most prominent affiliations, while the other three teams will be region-based squads. Additionally, each team has been given a wildcard slot for an athlete who doesn’t meet the criteria of their team.
Matches at CJI 2 will take place in the pit and under CJI rules, with mat-side judges scoring each contest in the event it does not result in submission. Consistent with the Quintet format, winning grapplers will stay on the mat and face opponents until they are defeated. The team with the most victories at the end of the head-to-head matches is the winner.
The event will also feature a match between Craig Jones and Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson.
Below is a complete list of grapplers set to compete at CJI 2. Check back often, as this list will be updated regularly.
Teams and athletes competing at CJI 2
10th Planet
66kg – Geo Martinez
77kg – Alan Sanchez
88kg – PJ Barch
99kg – Ryan Aitken
+99kg – Kyle Boehm
Coach: Eddie Bravo
New Wave
66kg – Dorian Olivarez
77kg – TBD
88kg – Giancarlo Bodoni
99kg – Luke Griffith
+99kg – Dan Manasoiu
Coach: John Danaher
B-Team
66kg – Owen Jones or Ethan Crelinsten
77kg – Jozef Chen
88kg – TBD
99kg – TBD
+99kg – TBD
Coach: Dima Murovanni
Team Australia/Asia
66kg – Wildcard pick
77kg – Levi Jones-Leary
88kg – Lucas Kanard
99kg – TBD
+99kg – TBD
Coach: Lachlan Giles
Team Americas Misfits
66kg – Deandre Corbe
77kg –
88kg –
99kg –
+99kg –
Coach: Greg Souders
Team Europe
Team Seven
Team Eight
Superfight: Craig Jones vs. Gable Steveson
