The Craig Jones Invitational has secured several high-profile commitments, with Tommy Langaker, Levi-Jones Leary and Max Gimenis all announcing their intention to compete in the groundbreaking jiu-jitsu event. Two out of the three have opted to forego their ADCC invitations, lured by the unprecedented $1 million prize for division winners at CJI.
Norwegian standout Tommy Langaker is a two-time ADCC Trials winner and an IBJJF black belt no-gi world champion. Widely regarded as one of the biggest talents in Europe, Langaker’s participation is a major coup for the CJI.
Australian phenom Levi-Jones Leary has drawn comparisons to the Miyao brothers due to his sensational skillset. With impressive wins over Jeremy Skinner and Jozef Chen, Leary’s decision to trade his ADCC spot for the CJI showcases the event’s pulling power.
Meanwhile, Max Gimenis continues his meteoric rise, having recently defeated New Wave’s Dan Manasoiu at Karate Combat. A multiple-time IBJJF No-Gi and Gi Worlds medalist, Gimenis’ commitment underscores the high stakes at play.
Hosted by the Fair Fight Foundation, the CJI boasts an eye-watering $10,001 minimum prize purse per competitor, dwarfing traditional payouts. However, it’s the potential $1,000,000 grand prize for division winners that has captured athletes’ imaginations.
As grapplers weigh their options, the CJI represents a lucrative yet risky opportunity. For promoter Craig Jones, the seven-figure prizes are a bold statement about better compensating athletes, even if it’s a financial gamble on his part.
Only time will tell if the CJI model proves sustainable, but it has undoubtedly ignited a passionate debate around transparency, pay, and the responsibilities promoters and competitors share in growing their sport.
