The 2025 IBJJF Crown concluded on Sunday in Long Beach, California, producing three new champions and confirming the continued dominance of some BJJ’s elite.
Sarah Galvão emerged as the standout of the tournament, claiming the women’s lightweight title in a bracket stacked with top-ranked competitors including Janaina Lebre, Cassia Moura, Brianna Ste-Marie, Bianca Basilio, Thalyta Silva, and Elisabeth Clay. Galvão, a second-generation black belt and daughter of BJJ legend André Galvão, demonstrated a dynamic top game reminiscent of her father.
Galvão opened the tournament by submitting the defending champion Brianna Ste-Marie, then defeated Cassia Moura in the semifinals, avenging a prior loss. In the final, she overcame reigning IBJJF world champion Janaina Lebre in a tactical match that saw her dominate with pressure passing and positional control to secure the crown.
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Cole Abate won the men’s featherweight division at 145 lbs (66 kg). The AOJ athlete navigated a challenging bracket, defeating João Mendes, Kennedy Maciel, and Danilo Moreira. Abate’s victories relied on precise sweeps, control from the guard, and timely submissions, culminating in a 4-2 win over João Bisnaga in the finals.
The biggest upset of the event came in the heavyweight bracket where Nolan Stuart submitted tournament favorite and grand slam champion Adam Wardzinski with an omoplata in the finals. Stuart’s performance earned him the heavyweight title and marked one of the most unexpected finishes of the 2025 IBJJF Crown.
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While three new names were added to the roster of champions, several established athletes successfully defended their titles.
Gabi Pessanha continued her dominance at super-heavyweight, securing her third consecutive IBJJF Crown by winning via points and submission.
Erich Munis maintained control in the ultra-heavyweight division, also achieving his third straight Crown title.
Andy Murasaki defended his middleweight title from 2024, becoming a two-time champion with a blend of sweeps and leg attacks.
2025 IBJJF Crown Quick Results
Men’s Featherweight: Cole Abate
Men’s Middleweight: Andy Murasaki
Men’s Heavyweight: Nolan Stuart
Men’s Ultra-Heavyweight: Erich Munis
Women’s Lightweight: Sarah Galvão
Women’s Super-Heavyweight: Gabi Pessanha
