The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI): Revolutionizing the Grappling Landscape
The Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) tournament, held on August 16 and 17, 2024, shook the grappling world with its innovative format and unprecedented prize pool. Presented by the Fair Fight Foundation, CJI stands out not just for its high-profile matches but also for its mission: to change the financial landscape for elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competitors. Taking place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, the event overlapped with the highly anticipated ADCC tournament, sparking intrigue and debate among the grappling community.
One of the most notable changes introduced by CJI is the unique arena design. Competitors now face off in a pit with angled walls, ensuring there are no out-of-bounds situations. This format prevents any “ring-outs” or stalling, forcing athletes to remain engaged and eliminating controversial resets seen in other tournaments. This innovative change promises non-stop action, pushing grapplers to their limits within the confines of the pit. In addition to the exciting rule changes, the tournament boasts a jaw-dropping prize pool of $1 million for each division winner—an amount previously unheard of in the grappling world.
The Craig Jones Invitational features two divisions: men’s −80 kg and men’s 80+ kg, with all athletes invited to participate. Unlike many tournaments where competitors face financial hardships, every athlete at CJI is guaranteed a minimum payout of $10,001, reinforcing the event’s commitment to rewarding athletes for their dedication. The $1 million prize money for the winners of each division marks a monumental step forward in providing athletes with financial incentives that match their skill level and commitment to the sport.
The Vision Behind CJI: Empowering Grapplers
The driving force behind the creation of CJI is simple: athletes deserve more. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has seen tremendous growth in popularity over the years, it is still far from being a financially viable career for many competitors. Tournaments like the IBJJF Worlds and ADCC, while prestigious, often fail to offer adequate financial compensation, leaving athletes with little to show for their efforts besides recognition. The Craig Jones Invitational was established to change this dynamic, providing top-tier athletes with an opportunity to compete for life-changing sums of money.
Craig Jones and the Fair Fight Foundation recognize that BJJ athletes train like professional athletes, often sacrificing time, money, and other opportunities to compete at the highest levels. However, despite the physical and financial demands, very few can make a living from competing alone. CJI aims to address this issue head-on, offering substantial prize money that will not only draw top competitors but also set a new standard for how athletes in the sport are compensated.
A Standout Match: Kade Ruotolo vs. Andrew Tackett
Amidst all the excitement and innovation, one of the most talked-about moments of the CJI tournament was the match between Kade Ruotolo and Andrew Tackett. Hailed as one of the best Jiu-Jitsu matches ever aired on YouTube, this bout delivered high-level technical exchanges and nonstop action. Both athletes pushed the pace, showcasing a blend of athleticism and strategic prowess that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. It’s moments like these that highlight the excitement and potential of grappling on a grand stage.
The Craig Jones Invitational not only provided fans with unforgettable moments but also signaled a shift in the grappling world. With its groundbreaking arena, enormous prize pool, and commitment to paying athletes fairly, CJI may very well be setting a new standard for grappling tournaments to come.
