The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has long stood as the gold standard for Gi competitions in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Every year, the IBJJF circuit crowns new champions and celebrates the technical mastery of BJJ athletes across all weight classes. IBJJF circuit includes events like the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Mundials), Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship and European Open,

In 2025, the IBJJF continued to showcase the finest BJJ Gi talent. Thus, proving that the art of grappling in the Gi is far from losing its place in the fast-paced evolution of the sport. From established legends to rising stars, the mats were filled with world-class athletes. These athletes blend tradition with innovation. This article dives into the top BJJ fighters in IBJJF in 2025. It will be breaking down their achievements, styles and what sets them apart in the world of Gi BJJ.

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Why IBJJF Still Matters in 2025

While events like ADCC focus on No-Gi grappling, IBJJF remains the most prestigious platform for Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It offers structure, international recognition and an emphasis on positional control and clean techniques. Success in IBJJF reflects a mastery of the full spectrum of Gi grappling. It includes grips, lapels, sweeps and pressure-based passing. Hence, success in IBJJF remains a critical milestone for any serious BJJ athlete. 

1- Tainan Dalpra – The Maestro of Middleweight

• Weight Class: Middleweight (82.3kg)
• Team: Art of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ)
• Nationality: Brazil

Tainan Dalpra has become a household name in the BJJ Gi scene. He maintains an undefeated streak in IBJJF competitions since reaching the black belt level. In 2025, he clinched his third consecutive IBJJF World title. Thus, solidifying his reputation as the best technical Gi player of this generation.

Why He’s on Top:

• Precise Guard Passing: Known for his signature knee-cut passes and floaty pressure.
• Unstoppable Guard: Combines De La Riva, lasso, and collar-sleeve with laser-like transitions.
• Discipline and Consistency: Tainan’s focus and ability to shut down opponents are unmatched.

Dalpra's clean, controlled and high-percentage style is a masterclass in modern Gi BJJ fundamentals, executed to perfection.

2- Gabrieli Pessanha – The Queen of Absolute Dominance

• Weight Class: Super-Heavyweight
• Team: Infight
• Nationality: Brazil

Gabrieli Pessanha is rewriting the history books. In 2025, she won gold in her division. But not only this, she once again took the absolute title at every major IBJJF tournament, including the Worlds, Euros, and Pans.

Why She’s Untouchable:

• Double Gold Machine: Repeatedly wins her weight and absolute divisions with ease.
• Crushing Top Pressure: Few can survive her passing sequences once she settles on top.
• Evolving Submissions: Continuously adds new tools—armbars, chokes and wrist locks.

Gabrieli Pessanha is the most dominant female athlete in IBJJF Gi competition. Thus, embodying the power and finesse of elite-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3- Mica Galvão – Dual Threat in Gi and No-Gi

• Weight Class: Middleweight
• Team: Melqui Galvão Jiu-Jitsu
• Nationality: Brazil

Though known for his No-Gi explosiveness, Mica Galvão is equally lethal in the Gi. Here he brings speed, unpredictability and submission-hunting to every IBJJF event.

What Makes Him Special in Gi:

• Unorthodox Passing Game: Combines cartwheel passes, torreandos and guard inversions fluidly.
• Gi Submission Arsenal: Bow and arrow chokes, loop chokes and omoplatas are part of his routine.
• Youth and Evolution: At only 21, he is evolving rapidly. Thus, making him a long-term IBJJF favorite.

In 2025, Mica earned his first IBJJF World Championship title in Gi. Hence, cementing his status as one of the top Gi athletes globally.

4- Nicholas Meregali – Heavyweight Power with Gi Mastery

• Weight Class: Super-Heavyweight
• Team: New Wave Jiu-Jitsu / Alliance
• Nationality: Brazil

While Nicholas Meregali has made headlines in No-Gi ADCC circuits, his foundation and dominance have always been in the Gi, particularly under the IBJJF rule set.

Why He’s a Gi Monster:

• High-Level Guard Work: Known for closed guard, spider guard and collar sleeve mastery.
• Smothering Top Game: Combines pressure with strategic grips and knee slides.
• Mental Fortitude: Stays composed under fire and often dominates positional battles.

In 2025, Meregali made a massive return to IBJJF events. Thus, reclaiming gold and reasserting his dominance in the BJJ Gi heavyweight division.

5- Beatriz Mesquita – The Return of a Legend

• Weight Class: Lightweight
• Team: Gracie Humaitá
• Nationality: Brazil

After a brief retirement, Beatriz Mesquita returned to the IBJJF in 2025. She is one of the greatest female competitors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history ever. After this break, she shocked the world by securing gold at the World Championships.

Why She’s Still Among the Elite:

• Tactical Genius: Her timing, grip control and positional understanding are unparalleled.
• Versatility: Dominates from top, bottom and in scrambles.
• Inspirational Journey: Her comeback story has inspired both new and veteran BJJ fans.

Mesquita’s legacy is richer than ever, proving that Gi BJJ legends can return and still rule the mats.

6- Jansen Gomes – AOJ’s Next Middleweight King

• Weight Class: Middleweight
• Team: Art of Jiu-Jitsu
• Nationality: Brazil

A rising force from the AOJ camp, Jansen Gomes captured fans’ attention in 2025 by winning gold at both the Pan and European IBJJF Championships. His game is equal parts stylish and effective.

Why He’s on the Rise:

• Slick Gi Techniques: Specializes in collar-sleeve guard, triangle setups and fast-twitch sweeps.
• Composed Competitor: Despite his youth, competes with the mindset of a seasoned black belt.
• AOJ Style: His refined technical game is a signature of the Mendes brothers’ influence.

Jansen’s emergence signals a new wave of Gi specialists from AOJ ready to carry the torch.

7- Ana Rodrigues – The Featherweight Force

• Weight Class: Featherweight
• Team: Dream Art
• Nationality: Brazil

Ana Rodrigues continued her impressive streak by dominating the featherweight division in 2025. Known for her dynamic movement and collar drag takedowns, she remains a fan-favorite.

Why She Stands Out:

• Aggressive Yet Technical: Always attacks, yet never reckless.
• Modern Gi Game: Combines lapel tricks, worm guard and quick transitions.
• Athleticism: Uses speed and timing to outmaneuver stronger opponents.

Ana’s rise in the IBJJF Gi scene highlights the depth and competitiveness of the women’s divisions in 2025.

Gi vs No-Gi: What IBJJF Shows Us About True BJJ

No-Gi BJJ continues to grow through events like ADCC and WNO. On the other hand, Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu still remains the technical foundation of the sport. The IBJJF in 2025 showcased why mastering the BJJ Gi matters:

• More technical grips and transitions
• Deeper strategic layers
• Slower pace but more control-based victories
• Greater emphasis on positional hierarchy and sweeps

The Gi slows the game down just enough to allow practitioners to develop intricate control systems. This is something that continues to produce well-rounded black belts.

Conclusion: IBJJF in 2025 – A Legacy of Legends and New Blood

The 2025 IBJJF season proved once again that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Gi is alive, thriving and evolving. From the artistry of Tainan Dalpra to the power of Gabrieli Pessanha and the fresh talent of Jansen Gomes, the mats were filled with iconic performances and unforgettable moments.

For those training in BJJ, whether you are a white belt working on collar drags or a competitor chasing gold, these athletes represent the pinnacle of Gi BJJ excellence. Their journeys inspire practitioners worldwide to embrace the discipline, patience and beauty that comes with training in the BJJ Gi under the IBJJF framework.