Representing one of the first steps toward international expansion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the Pan-American Championship has been held annually since 1995. While the first event garnered only 250 athletes, the event has grown yearly with the 2022 edition in Florida reporting over 4,600 jiu-jitsu athletes registered to compete.[3]
The tournament was originally held in Brazil but moved to the United States in 2007, reflecting the global expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its growing popularity in North America.
The IBJJF assigns a ranking weight to its tournaments, determining the number of points an athlete can earn. In the 2017/2018 IBJJF calendar, the Pan American Championship had a weighting of 4, making it second in importance only to the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which had a weighting of 7.[5]
Notable Champions
Many accomplished jiu-jitsu athletes have secured titles at the Pan Championship. In 2024, Gutemberg Pereira won the absolute male division by submitting Marcus Scooby with a rear-naked choke, while Gabi Pessanha took the absolute female title by submitting Izadora Cristina with a foot lock, securing double gold at the event.[6]
Impact on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The Pan Championship is regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.[7] A strong performance at the Pan can elevate an athlete’s career, providing international recognition and opportunities for sponsorships and higher-level competition.[8] The tournament also serves as a platform for the introduction of new techniques and strategic innovations, influencing the evolution of the sport.
Recent Changes
In recent years, the Pan Championship has continued to attract elite competitors from around the world. The 2024 edition featured high-level performances across multiple divisions, reinforcing the event’s status as a premier competition in the sport.[9]
Media Coverage and Legacy
The media coverage of the Pan Championship has grown significantly, with platforms like FloGrappling providing live broadcasts and in-depth analysis.[10] This increased exposure has contributed to the global recognition of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, attracting new practitioners and fans worldwide. The Pan Championship’s legacy lies in its continuous role in the sport's popularity on a global scale.
Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship IBJJF: Host Cities
The IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship has a long history and has been held in several cities over the years. Below is a list of the cities that have hosted the event throughout its history:
Los Angeles, California (USA) – The first edition was held in 1996, and since then, Los Angeles has been one of the most frequent host cities.[11]
Irvine, California (USA) – The event was also held here in some years, especially as it grew in size.[12]
Anaheim, California (USA) – For several years, the competition was held at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) – While more recent, some editions of the Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship have been held in Las Vegas.
Long Beach, California (USA) – Another Californian city that hosted the event for several years.
These are the main cities that have hosted the Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship throughout its history, with a strong presence in California, particularly in Los Angeles and Anaheim.
Pan American Champions in Men's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu by Year and Weight
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Marcos Barreto (1/1)
João Roque (1/1)
Takeo Tani (1/1)
Alexander Trans(1/1)
Leonardo Enrique (2/3)
Levi Jones-Leary (1/1)
Sebastian Rodriguez (1/1)
Zayed Alkatheeri (1/1)
Adam Wardzinski (1/2)
