World Grappling Championships

Where Champions Begin and History Is Made.

Sunday, January 3, 2027

World Grappling Championships is a proud member of USA Grappling

Date: Sunday, January 3, 2027

Doors Open: 7:00 AM

Brackets and competition schedule will be released on Smoothcomp several days before the event.

Maximize your championship experience by adding your second style (Gi or No-Gi) for a discounted rate:

Children 4 & Under: FREE

Athletes can weigh-in in no gi attire for gi events (top and bottom).

Registration Opens: Thursday, July 20, 2026

Brackets Posted: 48–72 Hours Before Competition

• Team Championships

Every legendary champion has a first victory.

Every great championship has an inaugural event.

On Sunday, January 3, 2027, the World Grappling Championships proudly presents its Inaugural Invitational Season Opener - the first major championship event of the 2027 competitive season and the first chapter in what we intend to become one of the premier grappling organizations in the world.

The inaugural World Grappling Championships has been built around a simple idea:

Leading up to this championship, WGC has extended invitations to athletes, academies, coaches, and competitors who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, their competitive achievements, recommendations within the grappling community, and the character they demonstrate both on and off the mats.

Congratulations and welcome to the inaugural World Grappling Championships.

But championships are not built by invitations alone.

Perhaps no one knows your name...yet.

The World Grappling Championships believes greatness isn't simply recognized—

Whether you arrive carrying an invitation or carrying something to prove, every competitor steps onto the same mat with the same opportunity.

All invited athletes who compete will receive a special WGC "Inaugural Championship Gift".

Your VIP invitation reserves access to a limited position in the WGC Invitational. Complete your registration by November 30, 2026 to validate your VIP status.

The difference between those who improve and those who stay the same is simple...

Champions don't wait until spring.

The World Grappling Championships gives every athlete the opportunity to begin the year with purpose, confidence, and momentum.

Walk away with a championship.

This is more than another tournament.

It is the beginning of a championship organization built for athletes.

Every competitor who registers for the inaugural World Grappling Championships becomes part of WGC history.

Years from now, when new champions are crowned, new cities are added, and the organization continues to grow, the athletes who competed on January 3, 2027 will always be recognized as the competitors who helped launch it all.

There will never be another inaugural championship.

Never another first Sunday.

Never another first group of champions.

And then there are places where champions are built.

Sports Academy is a 100,000-square-foot world-class athletic performance campus recognized throughout the sports world for developing elite athletes and championship mindsets.

This facility became synonymous with one of the greatest competitive mentalities in history - the legendary Mamba Mentality. While that remarkable chapter has been respectfully retired to the rafters, the relentless pursuit of excellence continues to define everything this facility represents.

The World Grappling Championships brings the grappling community to this extraordinary venue.

National Champions...

World Champions...

• Championship production

• Ample parking

This isn't simply another tournament.

Champions build momentum early.

Only one tournament gives you the opportunity to say:

"I competed on the very first Sunday of the new year."

Be among the athletes who launch the season.

Inspire your teammates.

World Grappling Championships Invitational Season Opener.

Start Your Year Like a Champion.

• Age

• Belt

• Weight Class

Registration Period
First Division
Second Division
Gi + No-Gi Total
Early
$89
$50
$139
Standard
$109
$50
$159
Late
$119
$50
$169
Final
$129
$50
$179

Eligible adult competitors may enter the Absolute Division for $35.

Child athletes exceeding the allowance will be disqualified. Weight can be adjusted up until December 31st via your Smoothcomp profile.

No weight allowance.

Division Change Deadline: December 31, 2026

No division changes will be accepted after the published deadline.

• Championship Belts (Select Divisions)