The B-Team emerged victorious at the second installment of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2), held in Las Vegas, securing a remarkable $1 million prize. Led by Victor Hugo and Nicky Rod, the team showcased exceptional skills in a series of intense matches, culminating in a thrilling final that ended in a tie but awarded them the overall win based on performance criteria.
On day two of the tournament, Craig Jones introduced a $50,000 submission bonus, escalating the excitement for competitors and spectators alike. Hugo, a five-time IBJJF world champion, played a pivotal role in his team’s success, defeating Fabricio Andrey with an arm-triangle choke, which helped propel B-Team into the finals. Despite a broken foot, Belal Etiabari of Team Australasia opted to compete in hopes of aiding his team’s chances, but ultimately, it was Hugo’s performance that shone through.
The semifinals featured intense competition, with B-Team facing off against New Wave, who had previously eliminated Team Americas. In a decisive moment, Luke Griffith of New Wave secured a victory over Diego Pato with a rear-naked choke, but the standout performance came from Giancarlo Bodoni, who submitted Ronaldo Junior with an armbar, clinching New Wave’s place in the final.
As the final unfolded, B-Team selected Chris Wojcik to face New Wave’s Mica Galvao, a formidable opponent known for his skill. The match was competitive, with Galvao dominating much of the action, but Wojcik managed to fend off a last-second ankle lock attempt.
Hugo returned for the next match against veteran Vagner Rocha. Despite a valiant effort from Rocha to escape a rear-naked choke, Hugo kept the pressure on, showcasing his grappling prowess. The third contest featured a rematch between Ethan Crelinsten from B-Team and Dorian Olivarez from New Wave. Olivarez demonstrated impressive control but could not secure a submission, leading to yet another draw.
The final match saw Nicky Rod face off against Luke Griffith, with both grapplers locked in a stalemate for over three minutes. Rod managed to take Griffith to the ground and attempted a choke, but time expired without a decisive victory. The judges ultimately scored the matchup a 47-47 draw, prompting a review of individual performances.
Rod’s earlier efficiency in his match against Griffith earned B-Team the overall win, allowing them to take home the substantial prize.
In a notable highlight for women’s grappling, Helena Crevar captured the inaugural women’s $100,000 tournament title at CJI 2. She triumphed over Sarah Galvao, daughter of the legendary Andre Galvao, by securing a straight ankle lock in the final round. Earlier in the tournament, Crevar had defeated Adele Fornarino, while Galvao advanced by eliminating Ana Carolina Vieira.
The culmination of CJI 2 not only showcased remarkable talent but also set a new standard for competitive grappling events, combining high-stakes matches with significant financial rewards for the athletes involved. This event marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of jiu-jitsu tournaments, emphasizing both skill and the potential for lucrative prizes.
