The 2024 IBJJF Crown, held at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California, on Sunday, November 17th, delivered an amazing showcase of jiu-jitsu excellence. With six exciting 8 athlete divisions, this year's event featured a mix of returning champions and rising stars looking to make their mark. Among the highlights were three returning champions: Gabrieli Pessanha, Erich Munis, and Tainan Dalpra, all seeking to defend their titles. Here's a breakdown of the action from each division:
Men's Featherweight: Diego "Pato" Claims His First Crown Title
Diego "Pato" from AOJ had an exceptional year, adding yet another feather in his cap by winning the IBJJF Crown. This victory came after Pato secured his third black belt World title back in June, solidifying it as the best year of his career. Pato's path to the Crown began with a dramatic opening-round win over Osvaldo "Queixinho" by a score of 6-4. In the semifinals, he demonstrated his dominance by shutting out 2018 World Champion Shane Jamil Hill-Taylor 18-0. The final match saw Pato face João Mendes "Bisnaga," where he managed to take the back and secure a choke to claim the Crown.
Women's Lightweight: Brianna Ste-Marie's Breakthrough Victory
Brianna Ste-Marie earned her first major gi title at the IBJJF Crown, claiming victory in the female lightweight division. Ste-Marie’s run to the title was impressive, with a 14-0 win over Jaine Fragoso in the quarterfinals followed by a submission victory over Gabi McComb via choke from closed guard. In the final, Brianna faced Janaina Lebre, who had bested her in the 2023 World Championships semifinals. This time, Ste-Marie came out on top in a tight match, securing the win with an advantage late in the contest. It was a huge breakthrough for Brianna, marking her first major gi title and adding the Crown to her growing list of accomplishments.
Men's Middleweight: Andy Murasaki Earns Middleweight Crown