Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor Sarah Galvao has secured the final spot in the Craig Jones Invitational 2 women’s bracket, earning a shot at the $100,000 prize – the largest purse in women’s grappling history.
The daughter of longtime grappling standout Andre Galvao, Sarah said she was genuinely surprised to be selected.
“I never really thought I was going to be the the last person. I saw that like they were already posting and they’re like, ‘Who could be the next person? Who’s the last person to be in the bracket?’ And I just was like looking at the comments. I was like I in my head I never ever thought that person like my face would ever be up there.”
The invite came directly from Craig Jones, who reached out after her recent win over Helena Crevar at the Pan Championships.
“Craig um he sent the invitation and he was like, ‘We’d love to have you.’ And with some thinking, you know, this is a once in a-lifetime opportunity. It’s never happened before to be in a a girl’s bracket and have that much money be brought up, right?”
Sarah enters as the least experienced name in a bracket that includes two-time ADCC champion Adele Fornaino, the 2024 ADCC champion and a recent silver medalist.
“I know that uh you know, I’m not the youngest. I know Helena’s like the youngest one there but she’s very experienced. But I think that um no matter what happens even though I know I’m like the underdog I guess I’m the least experienced there. Um I I go for the win you know?”
Best known for her success in gi events, Sarah is now shifting focus to no-gi after earning double gold at the 2025 Asian Championships and American Nationals.
“The gi is what I’m most comfortable in for sure but I’m ready to step out of that comfort zone giving no much more of a shot.”
A potential rematch with Crevar in no-gi has sparked interest among fans.
“I think that’s the match everybody was waiting for right? Everyone was was talking about it and now everyone’s wanting to see it in Nogi and now we may have the chance of seeing it.”
Andre Galvao acknowledged the significance of the bracket and praised teammate Forino’s aggressive approach.
“Adele has a super aggressive jiu-jitsu. She has a great chance to to bring back home this uh 100k you know for sure.”
He emphasized the tournament as a major moment for women in the sport.
The CJI 2 women’s bracket takes place August 30th and 31st at the Thomas and Mac Arena in Las Vegas. For Sarah Galvao, it’s a shot at history and a chance to define her legacy.
“Win or lose I’m just there to to do my best. And that’s what I always do.”
