The B-Team secured a remarkable victory at the **Craig Jones Invitational 2** (CJI 2) in Las Vegas, claiming a stunning **$1 million** prize. Led by **Victor Hugo** and **Nicky Rod**, the team showcased exceptional skill and strategy throughout the tournament. The event featured a **Quintet-style challenge**, intensifying the competition on both days.
On the second day of competition, **Craig Jones** introduced a **$50,000** submission bonus, raising the stakes. Hugo, a **five-time IBJJF world champion**, played a pivotal role in his team’s success. He executed an arm-triangle choke against **Fabricio Andrey**, propelling B-Team into the finals after defeating **Team Australasia**. Despite battling through an injury, Australasia’s **Belal Etiabari** fought valiantly, having sustained a broken foot in the quarterfinals.
New Wave also advanced to the final, having eliminated **Team Americas** in the quarterfinals. Their semifinal victory was marked by **Luke Griffith’s** rear-naked choke over **Diego Pato**, and a decisive armbar by **Giancarlo Bodoni** against **Ronaldo Junior**.
Final Showdown Highlights
B-Team appointed **Chris Wojcik** as their first representative in the final. He faced New Wave’s formidable **Mica Galvao**, a renowned jiu-jitsu practitioner. The match saw Galvao dominate the early exchanges, but Wojcik managed to evade a last-second ankle lock.
Following this, Hugo returned to the mat against veteran grappler **Vagner Rocha**. Despite surviving multiple submission attempts, Rocha proved resilient. As the final minute approached, Hugo launched an ankle attack; however, Rocha successfully escaped.
The third contest featured **Ethan Crelinsten** from B-Team and **Dorian Olivarez** from New Wave. Olivarez showcased impressive grappling skills, gaining mount position and maintaining relentless pressure, yet failed to secure a submission.
With both teams locked in a strategic battle, New Wave sent **Giancarlo Bodoni** into the penultimate match, leveraging a weight advantage against **Jozef Chen**. After another draw, the outcome hinged on the final bout between **Nicky Rod** and **Luke Griffith**. The grapplers remained on their feet for over three minutes, with neither securing a takedown. Rod eventually took Griffith down, advancing to side control before time expired, leading to a judges’ decision.
In a dramatic conclusion, all three judges scored the duel a **47-47 draw**. The tiebreaker hinged on Rod’s performance, which ultimately secured B-Team the overall win and the **$1 million** prize.
Women’s Tournament Success
The inaugural women’s tournament at CJI also made headlines, with **Helena Crevar** walking away with the **$100,000** prize. She triumphed over **Sarah Galvao**, the daughter of renowned grappler **Andre Galvao**, using a straight ankle lock in the final round. Earlier, Crevar had defeated **Adele Fornarino** by decision, while Galvao eliminated **Ana Carolina Vieira** in the semifinals, also via decision.
The Craig Jones Invitational 2 not only highlighted the incredible talent within the jiu-jitsu community but also showcased the excitement and competitive spirit that defines the sport. With substantial prize money on the line, participants delivered thrilling performances, ensuring the legacy of the event continues to grow.
