The Craig Jones Invitational: A New Era in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Craig Jones, synonymous with no-gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is renowned for his innovative techniques and charismatic personality.
In 2024, Jones took his passion for the sport to a new level by launching his competition, the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI). Launching the competition on the same weekend as ADCC 2024 Las Vegas, with two weight classes and two one-million-dollar prizes. This event quickly became one of the most talked-about tournaments in the no-gi grappling world. It drew attention for its high-level matches and widespread online success, reaching millions of viewers globally.
The Genesis of the Craig Jones Invitational
The idea for the Craig Jones Invitational was born out of Jones’ desire to create a platform that emphasized the excitement and entertainment of no-gi jiu-jitsu. Known for his dynamic and often unorthodox approach to the sport, Jones sought to create a competition that allowed athletes to showcase their skills in a format that prioritized action and submissions over points and stalling.
Jones, who had already made a name for himself with standout performances in tournaments like ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) and EBI (Eddie Bravo Invitational), saw an opportunity to push the boundaries of competitive grappling. He envisioned a tournament that would highlight elite grapplers and captivate a broader audience, including those new to the sport.
He also wanted to elevate the payments for the athletes, so each athlete received $10,001 for showing up, and the winners of each weight class won $1 million each. Making this the biggest payday in history when it comes to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions.
Founding the CJI: A New Approach to Jiu-Jitsu Competition
The Craig Jones Invitational was officially founded in early 2024. Jones partnered with several key figures in the BJJ and MMA communities to bring his vision to life. The competition format was designed to encourage aggressive, submission-oriented grappling, with rules that favored athletes who constantly pursued the finish.
The tournament’s format was straightforward yet compelling: single-elimination brackets with a focus on no-gi competition. Matches were set with shorter time limits, and the emphasis was on creating a spectator-friendly event. This format ensured that the action was fast-paced, reducing the likelihood of matches ending in draws or stalling tactics, which had often been criticized in other tournaments.
Results and Impact of the Inaugural Event
The inaugural Craig Jones Invitational lived up to its hype, delivering a series of electrifying matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Some of the world’s top no-gi grapplers were invited to compete, including established champions and rising stars. The event showcased a variety of submission techniques, from heel hooks to rear-naked chokes, underlining the high level of skill present in the tournament.
While the full results of the competition highlighted several standout performances, it was the overall atmosphere and production quality that left a lasting impression. The event successfully blended the intensity of high-stakes competition with an entertainment factor that resonated with both hardcore BJJ fans and newcomers to the sport.
One of the final matches was one of the most exciting matches ever and is now considered by many to be the best match in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu no-gi history. The fight between Kade Rutolo and Andrew Tacket was one of the most action-packed and exciting matches in the series. You can watch it for free on YouTube:
Online Success: Millions of Viewers Tune In
One of the most significant aspects of the Craig Jones Invitational was its online success. Leveraging the power of social media and streaming platforms, Jones and his team were able to reach an audience far beyond the traditional BJJ community. The event was streamed live on multiple platforms, including YouTube and specialized martial arts streaming services, allowing millions of viewers worldwide to tune in.
The production quality of the stream, combined with Jones’ brand and the star power of the competitors, contributed to the CJI going viral. Highlights of the matches were shared across social media, drawing in even more viewers and generating buzz that continued long after the event concluded. This online success not only solidified the CJI as a premier event in the BJJ calendar but also demonstrated the growing global interest in no-gi jiu-jitsu as a spectator sport.
The Future of the Craig Jones Invitational CJI 2
The second edition of the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI 2) is already generating massive anticipation within the grappling community, promising to build on the disruptive success of its inaugural event. Known for its fighter-first approach, huge prize pools, and anti-establishment tone, CJI2 is expected to raise the bar even higher, drawing elite competitors from across the globe who are eager to compete in a no-nonsense, submission-driven format. With Craig Jones continuing to blur the lines between spectacle and serious competition, fans can expect high-level jiu-jitsu, bold commentary, and a continued challenge to the traditional tournament model.
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