Ground Game Cup Malta Autumn Edition 2026

Ground Game Cup Malta Autumn Edition 2026

📅 Date: 10 October 2026📍 Location: Pembroke, Malta / Judo Hall Pembroke,

Welcome to Ground Game Cup Malta Autumn Edition 2026, an international Submission Only Gi Tournamentbringing together competitors from across Europe for a day of exciting submission-focused competition.

The event is open to athletes of all ages and experience levels, from Kids (5–7 years) to Adults and Masters, providing a professional, safe, and well-organised tournament environment.

Event Schedule

Friday – 9 October 2026

Official Weigh-in

• 19:00 – 21:00

Saturday – 10 October 2026

Official Weigh-in

• 07:00 – 09:00

Referee & Coaches Meeting

• 09:30

Competition Starts

• 10:00

Competition Format

• Submission Only Rules
• Gi Tournament Only
• Single Elimination Brackets
• Kids, Juniors, Adults & Masters
• Beginner, Intermediate & Pro Divisions
• Adult & Masters Absolute Divisions
• International Referees
• Professional Tournament Management

Skill Divisions

Kids & Juniors

Beginner

Up to 2 years of training

• White Belt

Intermediate

2–5 years of training

• Grey Belt
• Yellow Belt

Pro

More than 5 years of training

• Orange Belt
• Green Belt

The organizer reserves the right to move an athlete to a higher skill division if their training experience or competitive level significantly exceeds the registered division.

Pro

More than 5 years of training

For Adults divisions:

• Beginner – White Belt
• Intermediate – Blue & Purple Belt
• Pro – Brown & Black Belt

The organiser reserves the right to move an athlete to a higher division if their competitive experience significantly exceeds the declared level.

Age Divisions

Kids

• 5–7 years
• 7–10 years
• 11–14 years

Juniors

• 15–17 years

Adults

• 18+

Masters

• Masters 1 (+35)
• Masters 2 (+40)
• Masters 3 (+45)
• Masters 4 (+50)

Match Format

All matches are contested under Submission Only rules.

There are no points during regulation time.

If no submission is achieved, the match proceeds to overtime, where points may be awarded for effective offensive actions. If necessary, the winner is determined by overtime points, submission attempts, activity, and overall control.

Weigh-ins

Official weigh-ins are available:

Friday, 9 October 2026

• 19:00 – 21:00

or

Saturday, 10 October 2026

• 07:00 – 09:00

No weight allowance is permitted.

Prize Money

Pro Absolute (Men)

🥇 €500

🥈 €200

🥉 €100

Pro Absolute (Women)

🥇 €500

🥈 €200

🥉 €100

Important

Cash prizes will only be awarded if the respective Pro Absolute division has a minimum of eight (8) competitors who are officially registered, successfully complete the weigh-in, and compete in that specific Absolute bracket.

If fewer than 8 competitors compete in a Pro Absolute division:

• The Absolute division will still take place.
• Medals will still be awarded.
• No cash prizes will be paid.

This rule applies independently to each Men's and Women's Pro Absolute division.

Best Team Award

🏆 €500

Team points:

• 🥇 Gold Medal – 5 points
• 🥈 Silver Medal – 3 points
• 🥉 Bronze Medal – 1 point

Only divisions in which the athlete has completed at least one official match are counted towards the Best Team classification.

Fastest Submission Award

🏆 €100

Awarded to the athlete who records the fastest submission of the tournament.

Why Compete?

• International competition in Malta
• Submission Only ruleset
• Gi Only
• Professional referees
• Cash prizes
• Best Team Award
• Fastest Submission Award
• Great atmosphere
• Competitors from multiple countries

We look forward to welcoming you to Ground Game Cup Malta Autumn Edition 2026. See you on the mats!