Are today’s grappling tournaments doing enough to compensate their athletes? The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) is set to challenge the status quo by offering an unprecedented prize pool and aiming to transform athlete compensation in the sport.
Scheduled for August 16-17, 2024, in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center, this event competes with and coincides with the established ADCC 2024, creating an intriguing showdown in the martial arts community.
With its bold approach to prizes and athlete incentives, CJI isn’t just another tournament—it’s a potential game-changer in the world of grappling. Continue reading for more about 2024 CJI competitors, rules, etc!
Genesis of the Craig Jones Invitational
Craig Jones, a standout figure in Jiu Jitsu and a two-time ADCC silver medalist, reached a tipping point with the persistently low prize money offered at traditional ADCC tournaments.
Motivated to reshape the grappling landscape, Jones unveiled his ambitious Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) project during an impactful appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast.
This initiative wasn’t just about increasing payouts but a strategic move designed to revolutionize the sport’s economic structure.
With the launch of CJI, Jones aims to catalyze a shift in how tournaments compensate and value their athletes, thereby influencing broader industry standards.
By dramatically elevating the prize money to unprecedented levels, the Invitational challenges other competitions to reevaluate their compensation schemes.
Jones’s vision extends beyond just financial benefits; it encompasses altering the competitive dynamics, offering athletes more power over their careers, and enhancing the overall spectacle of the sport.
The 2024 Craig Jones Invitational: Location, Competitors, Prizes, and Rules
Location
The 2024 Craig Jones Invitational will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This location is strategically chosen for its proximity to the T-Mobile Arena, where the ADCC 2024 is also scheduled. This highlights the CJI’s competitive spirit.
The venue is known for its robust facilities and capacity to host large sports events, making it an ideal setting for a high-stakes grappling tournament.
Divisions and Competitors
The tournament will feature two men’s divisions based on weight class, hosting 16 elite competitors.
The lineup of competitors and memorable matches promises intense action. They highlight the Craig Jones Invitational’s global reach and competitive spirit, setting the stage for a memorable grappling showcase.
Under 80 kg Men Division
- Andrew Tackett (USA)
- Nicky Ryan (USA)
- Jozef Chen (ZA/GER/TWN)
- Lucas ‘Hulk’ Barbosa (BRA)
- Renato Canuto (BRA)
- Matheus Diniz (BRA)
- Eoghan O’Flanagan (UK)
- Tommy Langaker (NOR)
- Levi Jones-Leary (AUS)
- Jason Nolf (USA)
- Andy Varela (USA)
- Kade Ruotolo (USA)
- Tye Ruotolo (USA)
- Roberto Jimenez (ECU/USA)
- Magid Hage (BRA/USA)
- Kenta Iwamoto (Japan)
Over 80 kg Men Division
- William Tackett (USA)
- Luke Rockhold (USA)
- Nick Rodriguez (USA)
- Mason Fowler (USA)
- Joao Gabriel Rocha (BRA)
- Victor Hugo (BRA)
- Owen Livesey (UK)
- Fellipe Andrew (BRA)
- Max Gimenis (BRA)
- Adam Bradley (USA)
- Inacio Santos (BRA)
- Pat Downey (USA)
- Pedro Alex (BRA)
- Kyle Boehm (USA)
- Mahamed Aly (BRA)
- Daniel Greg Kerkvliet (USA)
Superfights
Apart from the main divisions, the event will showcase compelling super fights featuring renowned athletes:
- Ffion Davies (Wales) vs. Mackenzie Dern (BRA/USA) – Women’s Superfight
- Craig Jones (AUS) vs. Gabi Garcia (BRA) – Inter-gender Superfight
Prizes
At the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI), every competitor is assured a minimum payout of $10,001. This amount is slightly more than the top prize at the ADCC, symbolizing CJI’s commitment to offering better rewards.
Each champion in the under 80 kg and over 80 kg divisions will receive a remarkable $1 million. This significant financial incentive is designed to attract top-level athletes and challenge other tournaments to improve their prize offerings.
Rules of the Craig Jones Invitational
The CJI is introducing a unique set of rules to improve the competition and minimize interruptions during matches.
Competitions will be held in a Karate Combat-style “pit” with raised walls, keeping the action focused and ongoing.
The rules promote active, aggressive grappling and allow a broader range of techniques than typically permitted in traditional tournaments.
Here are some fundamental rules:
- Time Limits: Regular matches are divided into three 5-minute rounds with a 1-minute rest in between. The finals consist of five 5-minute rounds, with additional overtime rounds if the scores are tied.
- Legal Techniques: Competitors can use a variety of submissions, including all types of chokes (except those using the hand to close the windpipe), arm bars, shoulder locks, and leg and ankle locks. Unique submissions like the Twister and Can Opener are also allowed.
- Scoring: Matches are scored using a 10-point Must System for each round, emphasizing initiating action, control, and effective aggression.
CJI Innovations and Attractions
One of the most appealing aspects of CJI is its accessibility. The entire event will be streamed for free on YouTube, allowing fans worldwide to watch without cost.
Moreover, the tournament introduces unique rules to reduce referee intervention and encourage continuous action.
Through the FairFight Foundation, CJI promotes charitable causes while pushing for fairer athlete compensation, merging philanthropy with sports innovation.
CJI Controversies and Community Reactions
Scheduling CJI on the exact dates as ADCC has sparked debates within the grappling community.
This strategy forces athletes to choose between the traditional prestige of ADCC and the financial allure of CJI.
The reaction has been mixed, with some celebrating the push for better pay while others criticize the potential division it creates among athletes and fans alike.
Potential Impact on the Sport
Introducing CJI could immediately change how grappling tournaments operate, particularly in terms of athlete pay.
Looking ahead, Jones envisions CJI as an annual event that could expand to include more weight classes and perhaps women’s divisions.
This could set a new benchmark for tournaments, influencing athlete earnings and how events cater to spectators and participants.
Conclusion
The Craig Jones Invitational represents a pivotal moment in the grappling community. It challenges established norms and offers a new vision for the future of the sport.
As the event approaches, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see how this bold experiment unfolds. Whether you’re a fan of traditional tournaments or a supporter of innovation, CJI is an event that cannot be missed.
