2025 IBJJF No-Gi European Championship

Men's Black Belt Finals

The men's divisions featured high-caliber matchups across all weight classes. Pawel Jaworski of Poland emerged as a central figure, securing gold in both the 85 kg and absolute divisions. Jaworski's campaign was marked by a remarkable seven submissions in nine matches, demonstrating both technical prowess and finishing instinct. In the 91 kg division, Faris BenLemkadem (England) captured the title with strategic precision, while Ashley Williams (Wales) claimed gold at 67 kg through relentless pace and tactical execution. Other champions included Shay Montague (Scotland, 55 kg), Vinicius Inacio (Brazil, 61 kg), Julian Espinosa (Costa Rica, 73 kg), Jorge Gabriel (Brazil, 97 kg), and Tito Carle (Australia, +97 kg), each showcasing distinct technical strengths within their divisions.

Women's Black Belt Finals

The women's finals spotlighted the emergence of new talent and the sustained dominance of established champions. Injana Goodman (England) captured gold at 66 kg and added a silver in the absolute, signaling a remarkable rookie campaign. Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil) continued her reign by securing the women's absolute title with clinical efficiency. Additional champions included Thais Loureiro (Brazil, 46 kg), Mayssa Bastos (Brazil, 51 kg), Maria Mayordomo (Spain, 56 kg), Brianna Ste-Marie (Canada, 61 kg), Salla Simola (Finland, 71 kg), and Paige Ivette (USA, 76 kg). The +76 kg division did not crown a champion due to insufficient entries.

Final Match Highlights

• In the men's absolute final, Pawel Jaworski submitted Jean Maltese with a decisive Leg Lock.
• Vinicius Inacio edged Junny Ocasio in the light-feather final by advantage (2x2 pts), showcasing tactical awareness.
• Noah Gutierrez secured the featherweight title via Armbar against Marius Spac, displaying sharp submission transitions.
• Jorge Gabriel claimed a narrow super-heavy victory over Neo Barbosa by decision (2-2 points), emphasizing positional control.
• Tito Carle earned ultra-heavy gold with a clinical Kneebar submission over Heikki Jussila.
• In the women's feather final, Ana Mayordomo Garcia outscored Liisi Vaht (9-2), utilizing aggressive passing and guard retention.
• Brianna Ste-Marie dominated the light division, capping her run with a final victory via Darce Choke over Fiona Mortell.

The championship featured robust international representation, with gold medalists from the UK, Scandinavia, Poland, Japan, South Korea, and the Americas. The impactful performances of rookie black belts such as Injana Goodman and Pawel Jaworski signaled a new generation of European no-gi talent.

Submission Trends and Key Techniques

Submission victories played a pivotal role throughout the finals and semifinals, shaping the tournament's narrative. Pawel Jaworski distinguished himself with a prolific submission rate, employing techniques such as the Straight Ankle Lock and Inside Heel Hook across both his weight class and the absolute division. In the medium-heavy final, Jaworski submitted Shane Fishman with a precise Straight Ankle Lock, underlining his leg lock expertise.

Notable Submission Finishes

• Julian Espinosa advanced to the light division final with a well-timed Straight Ankle Lock against Yonathan Guertzenstein.
• Riki Yoshinaga reached the rooster final via Inside Heel Hook over Weslei Kellisson, highlighting the effectiveness of lower limb attacks.
• Mayssa Bastos secured her light-feather final berth with a clinical Rear Naked Choke against Josefine Modig.
• Gabrieli Pessanha submitted Nadia Frankland with a powerful Kimura in the women's open weight semifinal.
• Tito Carle captured the ultra-heavyweight title with a decisive Kneebar against Heikki Jussila.
• Brianna Ste-Marie sealed the women's light final with a tight Darce Choke.

The most prevalent and decisive submissions included the Straight Ankle Lock, Inside Heel Hook, Armbar, Kimura, Kneebar, Rear Naked Choke, and Darce Choke. Athletes such as Pawel Jaworski, Mayssa Bastos, and Julian Espinosa demonstrated advanced technical proficiency and a relentless pursuit of the finish, contributing to a high submission rate in the advanced rounds.

Key Semifinal Battles

Semifinal matchups proved instrumental in shaping the championship landscape. In the men's heavy division, Karol Kania delivered a commanding 11-2 points victory over Lucas Dias, showcasing superior positional control and strategic pressure. In the women's middle division, Julia Maele advanced to the final with a dominant 10-2 win over Rosa Walsh, leveraging effective guard passing and transitions.

Submission Streaks and Tactical Decisions

Submission streaks propelled several finalists. Pawel Jaworski submitted Clay Mayfield with an Inside Heel Hook in the absolute semifinal, while Julian Espinosa used a Straight Ankle Lock to secure his place in the light final. Mayssa Bastos earned her light-feather final spot with a precise Rear Naked Choke.

Close decisions and points victories also played a significant role. Heikki Jussila edged Alexander Sak by decision in the absolute division, and Jorge Gabriel advanced to the super-heavy final after a tightly contested match with Neo Barbosa (2-2 points, decision).

The road to the finals was defined by a blend of submission finishes, dominant points victories, and tactical battles, reflecting the depth, diversity, and evolving technical landscape of the 2025 IBJJF No Gi European Championship.