The Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI2) is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated events in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With its unique team-based format, exciting superfights, and huge prize pools, CJI2 is set to push the boundaries of grappling competitions. Whether you’re attending in person or following from home, this blog is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about the CJI2 schedule, teams, and competitors. Let’s break it down!
What is the Craig Jones Invitational 2?
The Craig Jones Invitational 2 is a high-stakes, team-based jiu-jitsu tournament that will take place on August 30–31, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Building on the success of the inaugural event, CJI2 introduces an innovative Quintet-style team competition, with eight teams of five athletes each competing in a round-robin format. The stakes are high, with $1 million in prize money for the winning team and $100,000 for the women’s division winner.
CJI2 Event Schedule: Dates and Times
Here’s the detailed CJI2 schedule you need to know:
Day 1: Friday, August 30, 2025
- Opening Ceremony: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The event kicks off with a grand opening ceremony, introducing teams and competitors. - First Round of Team Matches: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Teams will face off in the first round-robin matches of the tournament. Each match will feature grapplers from different weight classes. - Superfight: Craig Jones vs. Gable Steveson: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The highly anticipated superfight between Craig Jones and Olympic gold medalist wrestler Gable Steveson. This match will be a mix of wrestling and jiu-jitsu, offering a unique challenge for both athletes. - Evening Session: Team Matches Continue: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The round-robin style matches continue as teams aim to secure early victories.
Day 2: Saturday, August 31, 2025
- Women’s Division Tournament: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The women’s division features a four-athlete, open-weight tournament, with $100,000 up for grabs. - Quarterfinals of Team Matches: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
The remaining teams face off in the knockout rounds. - Finals of Team Matches: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
The culmination of the event, as the top two teams compete for the grand prize. - Closing Ceremony and Awards: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
A celebratory end to the tournament, featuring the crowning of the winning team and the women’s division champion.
Teams Competing at the Craig Jones Invitational 2
CJI2 will feature some of the most elite teams in the jiu-jitsu world. Here are the eight teams competing:
1. B-Team Jiu-Jitsu
- Key Competitors: Ethan Crelinsten, Nick Rodriguez, Nicky Ryan (coach)
- Strengths: Aggressive top game, versatile submission hunters.
2. New Wave Jiu-Jitsu
- Key Competitors: Dorian Olivarez, Mica Galvão, John Danaher (coach)
- Strengths: Technical precision and strategic game planning.
3. Atos Jiu-Jitsu
- Key Competitors: Diego “Pato” Oliveira, Kaynan Duarte, André Galvão (coach)
- Strengths: Well-rounded athletes with powerful guard passing.
4. 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu
- Key Competitors: Geo Martinez, Kyle Boehm, Eddie Bravo (coach)
- Strengths: Submission-heavy game with an emphasis on unorthodox attacks.
5. Pedigo Submission Fighting (Daisy Fresh)
- Key Competitors: Max Hanson, Dante Leon, Heath Pedigo (coach)
- Strengths: Relentless pace, pressure passing, and dynamic transitions.
6. Team Americas
- Key Competitors: Gavin Corbe, Pat Downey, Greg Souders (coach)
- Strengths: Strong wrestling backgrounds and adaptable strategy.
7. Team Europe
- Key Competitors: Owen Jones, Paul Ardila, Faris Benlamkadem (coach)
- Strengths: Technical depth with a focus on positional control.
8. Team Australasia
- Key Competitors: Fabricio Andrey, Belal Etiabari, Lachlan Giles (coach)
- Strengths: Innovative guard play and transition-heavy approach.
Women’s Tournament Competitors
For the first time, the Craig Jones Invitational 2 introduces a women’s open-weight tournament with a $100,000 prize pool. Here are the competitors:
- Helena Crevar
- Adele Fornarino (2024 ADCC double gold medalist)
- Ana Carolina Vieira (six-time IBJJF World Champion)
- Sarah Galvão (2025 IBJJF Grand Slam winner)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Craig Jones Invitational 2
1. When is the Craig Jones Invitational 2?
The event will take place from August 30–31, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Thomas & Mack Center.
2. How can I watch the Craig Jones Invitational 2?
The tournament will be streamed live on the B-Team Jiu-Jitsu YouTube channel, making it accessible for fans around the globe.
3. Who are the key competitors in CJI2?
Some of the biggest names in jiu-jitsu, including Nick Rodriguez, Mica Galvão, Diego Oliveira, and Kaynan Duarte, will compete. The event will also feature a women’s division with stars like Adele Fornarino and Ana Carolina Vieira.
4. What is the format of the Craig Jones Invitational 2?
CJI2 will follow a Quintet-style team competition, where teams of five athletes compete in a round-robin format. The tournament will also feature a high-profile superfight between Craig Jones and Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson.
5. How much is the prize money for the event?
The total prize pool is $1.1 million, with $1 million going to the winning team and $100,000 awarded to the women’s tournament winner.
6. How can I buy tickets for the Craig Jones Invitational 2?
Tickets will be available on the official event website closer to the event date. Be sure to check for updates!
7. What is the schedule for the Craig Jones Invitational 2?
- Day 1 (August 30, 2025): Opening ceremony, first-round team matches, Craig Jones vs. Gable Steveson superfight, and more.
- Day 2 (August 31, 2025): Women’s tournament, team quarterfinals, finals, and closing ceremony.
Final Thoughts: Why the Craig Jones Invitational 2 is a Must-Watch Event
The Craig Jones Invitational 2 is more than just a competition—it’s a game-changer for the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With innovative formats, top-tier competitors, and massive prize pools, CJI2 is setting new standards for grappling tournaments. Whether you’re watching from home or attending live, the event is bound to be a thrilling showcase of jiu-jitsu at its finest.
Stay tuned for more updates, and make sure to mark your calendars for this historic event!