Team Europe’s roster for the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) is nearly complete following Saturday’s European Trials in London, featuring some surprising twists and the unexpected involvement of a viral sensation.
The trials, which went ahead despite the cancellation of the planned live stream, saw two grappling athletes secure their spots on Team Europe through tournament victories, while the third slot took an unusual turn.
Paul Ardila, an American grappler and four-time ADCC Trials winner, earned his wild card placement in the 88 kg division by defeating Taylor Pearman and Mohammed Avtarhanov. Unlike other teams that directly selected prominent Brazilian jiu-jitsu stars for their rosters, Team Europe made Ardila prove his worth through competition.
Polish competitor Pawel Jaworski claimed the second tournament spot by besting Ellis Younger and Tom Barry in the 77 kg division.
The most dramatic development came in the heavyweight category, where Polish BJJ champion Marcin Maciulewicz won the +99 kg tournament and scored the only submission of the entire event. However, his victory didn’t automatically secure him a roster spot.
In a surprising twist, Craig Jones brought in Frederic Vosgrone to the event. The German BJJ black belt and undefeated MMA star (4-0) has gained considerable internet fame since his debut at Oktagon 69 last April. Nicknamed “The Neanderthal,” Vosgrone went viral for his distinctive appearance and unorthodox style that includes maintaining relentless grips on opponents’ legs.
Despite his recent viral status in MMA, Vosgrone brings legitimate grappling credentials as a former Polaris tournament champion with victories over ADCC Trials winner Taylor Pearman and UFC stars Reinier De Ridder and Tom Breese.
According to reports, Maciulewicz will now have to face Vosgrone to determine who gets the final Team Europe heavyweight slot for CJI 2.
The European Trials didn’t utilize the trademark CJI pit, and several matches reportedly became chaotic when competitors went out of bounds during their contests.
With these selections, Team Europe’s roster is taking its final shape as preparations continue for the highly anticipated CJI 2 event, which will feature team-based competition in a format that has quickly gained popularity among grappling fans worldwide.
The CJI 2 team line-ups are finally confirmed. With top grapplers from every corner of the globe and elite coaches leading the charge, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown. Here’s the full breakdown of confirmed teams and team members for CJI 2, including 10th Planet, New Wave, B-Team, Atos, Australasia, Americas, Europe, and more.
Confirmed Teams & Team Members for CJI 2 (Craig Jones Invitational)
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Roster – Coach: Eddie Bravo
- 66 kg: Geo Martinez — 3x EBI Champion
- 77 kg: Alan Sanchez — 2024 EBI Champion
- 88 kg: PJ Barch — ADCC 2024 Bronze Medalist
- 99 kg: Ryan Aitken — 2024 PGF Champion
- +99 kg: Kyle Boehm — 2022 ADCC Trials Winner
Eddie Bravo brings a stacked team of veterans and finishers to CJI 2, anchored by Martinez and Boehm.
New Wave Jiu-Jitsu Roster – Coach: John Danaher
- 66 kg: Dorian Olivarez — 2023 ADCC Trials Winner
- 77 kg: (Internal Trials Winner – TBA)
- 88 kg: Giancarlo Bodoni — 2x ADCC World Champion
- 99 kg: Luke Griffith — 2024 ADCC Silver Medalist
- +99 kg: Dan Manasoiu — 2023 ADCC Trials Winner
Led by the legendary John Danaher, New Wave’s team is one of the most technical and dominant line-ups this season.
B-Team Roster – Coach: Dima Murovanni
- 66 kg: Ethan Crelinsten — Polaris Champion
- 77 kg: Jozef Chen — 2023 ADCC Trials Winner
- 88 kg: Chris Wojcik — 2024 PGF Silver Medalist
- 99 kg: Nick Rodriguez — CJI 1 Openweight Champion
- +99 kg: Victor Hugo — 5x IBJJF World Champion (Wild Card Pick)
Nick Rodriguez and Victor Hugo, former rivals, join forces under B-Team in a must-watch pairing for CJI 2.
Team Atos – Coach: Andre Galvao
- 66 kg: TBA
- 77 kg: TBA
- 88 kg: TBA
- 99 kg: TBA
- +99 kg: Felipe Pena — Wild Card Pick
With Felipe Pena confirmed, expect Atos to bring their signature intensity and technical excellence.
Team Australasia – Coach: Lachlan Giles
- 66 kg: Fabricio Andrey — 2021 IBJJF World Champion (Wild Card Pick)
- 77 kg: Levi Jones-Leary — CJI 1 Finalist
- 88 kg: Lucas Kanard — 2024 ADCC Trials Winner
- 99 kg: Declan Moody — 2024 ADCC Trials Winner (CJI 2 Trials Winner)
- +99 kg: Belal Etiabari — CJI 2 Trials 2nd Place
Australasia fields a well-rounded team with ADCC-tested athletes and rising talent.
Team Americas – Coach: Greg Souders
- 66 kg: Deandre Corbe — 2025 Sapateiro Invitational Champion
- 77 kg: TBA
- 88 kg: TBA
- 99 kg: TBA
- +99 kg: TBA
Team Americas is still finalizing its full roster but already shows strong promise with Deandre Corbe at 66 kg.
Team Europe – Coach: Faris Benlamkadem
- 66 kg: Owen Jones — 2023 ADCC Trials Winner
- 77 kg: Pawel Jaworski — CJI 2 EU Trials Winner
- 88 kg: Paul Ardila — EU Trials Winner / Wild Card Pick
- 99 kg: Charles Negromonte — 2024 ADCC Trials Winner
- +99 kg: Marcin Maciulewicz or Frederic Vosgrone — (TBD between EU Trials Winner and Polaris Champ)
Team Europe’s depth in the heavier weight classes makes them a serious threat at CJI 2.
Team 8 – Coach: TBA
- 66 kg: TBA
- 77 kg: TBA
- 88 kg: TBA
- 99 kg: TBA
- +99 kg: TBA
Final team yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for updates as more names are confirmed.
