2027 WORLD GRAPPLING CHAMPIONSHIPS INVITATIONAL

INAUGURAL INVITATIONAL SEASON OPENER

The First Championship of 2027

Sunday, January 3, 2027

Sports Academy | Thousand Oaks, California

HISTORY HAS A BEGINNING

Every legendary champion has a first victory.

Every great rivalry has a first meeting.

Every great championship has an inaugural event.

This is ours.

On Sunday, January 3, 2027, the World Grappling Championships proudly presents its Inaugural Invitational Season Opener - the first major championship event of the 2027 competitive season and the first chapter in what we intend to become one of the premier grappling organizations in the world.

AN INVITATIONAL WITH AN OPEN CHALLENGE

The inaugural World Grappling Championships has been built around a simple idea:

Recognize excellence while welcoming those determined to earn it.

Leading up to this championship, WGC has extended invitations to athletes, academies, coaches, and competitors who have distinguished themselves through their commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, their competitive achievements, recommendations within the grappling community, and the character they demonstrate both on and off the mats.

If you received an invitation, consider it recognition that your dedication has been noticed.

Congratulations and welcome to the inaugural World Grappling Championships.

But championships are not built by invitations alone.

They are built by competitors willing to accept the challenge.

Registration remains open to every athlete who believes they belong on this stage.

Perhaps you weren't on the first invitation list.

Perhaps no one knows your name...yet.

January 3 is your opportunity to change that.

Stand across from invited athletes.

Represent your academy.

Test yourself against outstanding competition.

Earn respect through performance.

Because once the referee says "Fight," invitations, rankings, reputations, and expectations disappear.

Only preparation.

Only heart.

Only performance.

The World Grappling Championships believes greatness isn't simply recognized—

It is proven.

Whether you arrive carrying an invitation or carrying something to prove, every competitor steps onto the same mat with the same opportunity.

To win.

To grow.

To inspire.

To become part of history.

All invited athletes who compete will receive a special WGC "Inaugural Championship Gift".

Your VIP invitation reserves access to a limited position in the WGC Invitational. Complete your registration by November 30, 2026 to validate your VIP status.

After the deadline, you may still register to compete as a non-invited athlete, subject to availability.

START YOUR 2027 SEASON LIKE A CHAMPION

Every January, athletes set new goals.

Train harder.

Compete more.

Win more.

Become better.

The difference between those who improve and those who stay the same is simple...

Champions don't wait until spring.

They compete.

The World Grappling Championships gives every athlete the opportunity to begin the year with purpose, confidence, and momentum.

Walk away with a championship.

Discover what needs to improve.

Build confidence.

Gain valuable competition experience.

Represent your academy with pride.

No matter your outcome, you'll leave better prepared for the season ahead.

There is no better way to begin 2027.

BE PART OF THE FOUNDING GENERATION

This is more than another tournament.

It is the beginning of a championship organization built for athletes.

Every competitor who registers for the inaugural World Grappling Championships becomes part of WGC history.

Years from now, when new champions are crowned, new cities are added, and the organization continues to grow, the athletes who competed on January 3, 2027 will always be recognized as the competitors who helped launch it all.

There will never be another inaugural championship.

Never another first Sunday.

Never another first group of champions.

This opportunity only exists once.

WHERE GREATNESS IS FORGED

Sports Academy – Thousand Oaks

There are venues...

And then there are places where champions are built.

Sports Academy is a 100,000-square-foot world-class athletic performance campus recognized throughout the sports world for developing elite athletes and championship mindsets.

This facility became synonymous with one of the greatest competitive mentalities in history - the legendary Mamba Mentality. While that remarkable chapter has been respectfully retired to the rafters, the relentless pursuit of excellence continues to define everything this facility represents.

Now...

The World Grappling Championships brings the grappling community to this extraordinary venue.

You'll compete where Olympians...

Professional athletes...

National Champions...

World Champions...

and future legends train to become their very best.

Expect:

• Professional competition mats

• Championship production

• Elite warm-up areas

• Spacious athlete staging

• Stadium-quality atmosphere

• Comfortable spectator seating

• On-site food and refreshments

• Ample parking

• One of the finest competition facilities in California

This isn't simply another tournament.

It's an experience worthy of the effort you've invested.

Step onto the mats.

Honor the legacy.

Leave your mark.

EVENT INFORMATION

Date: Sunday, January 3, 2027

Venue: Sports Academy

1011 Rancho Conejo Blvd.

Thousand Oaks, California 91320

Doors Open: 7:00 AM

Brackets and competition schedule will be released on Smoothcomp several days before the event.

DIVISIONS

Competition divisions include:

• Kids

• Juvenile

• Adult

• Masters

Available in both:

• Gi

• No-Gi

Divisions are organized by:

• Age

• Belt

• Weight Class

• Gender

REGISTRATION

Register early and save.

As each registration period closes, pricing automatically increases.

Founder Registration (First 100 Athletes): $89

Early Registration (September 1 – October 15): $99

Standard Registration (October 16 – November 30): $109

Late Registration (December 1 – December 20): $119

Final Registration (December 21 – December 30): $129

Registration may close early if athlete capacity is reached.

DOUBLE THE CHALLENGE

Add your second style (Gi or No-Gi) for $50 and maximize your championship experience.

ABSOLUTE DIVISION

Eligible adult competitors may enter the Absolute Division for $35.

SPECTATOR ADMISSION

Adults (15+): $15

Youth (5–14): $10

Children 4 & Under: FREE

COMPLIMENTARY COACH PASS

One (1) Head Coach per School: FREE

Each Additional Coach: 

• Pre-Order: $20

• At Event: $25

Coach Pass Access Includes:

• Competition floor access

• Coach credential

• Athlete coaching privileges

All coaches must:

• Sign the WGC Coaches Code of Conduct

• Check in before entering the competition floor

• Wear official WGC credentials

VIP AREA 

Pre-Order: $35

At Event: $45

Only 200 tickets available

VIP Floor Access is limited to adults 21+ and includes:

• VIP 2nd floor Mezzanine area access

• Complimentary food and drinks 

• Special Guests

• DJ 

• Swag bag 

• VIP wristband

• VIP Kids Room Access for accompanying minors

VIP Access does not include spectator admission.

WEIGH-IN INFORMATION

Kids

2-pound allowance.

Child athletes exceeding the allowance will be disqualified. Weight can be adjusted up until December 31st via your Smoothcomp profile.

Please register your child responsibly.

Juvenile & Adults

No weight allowance.

Athletes can weigh-in in no gi attire for gi events (top and bottom).

COMPETITION FORMAT

2 Competitors

Best 2 out of 3 Matches

3 Competitors

Round Robin

4+ Competitors

Double Elimination

Bronze Medal Match

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT

Champions build momentum early.

Every match provides experience.

Every experience creates improvement.

Start your season with purpose.

Start your season with confidence.

Start your season with competition.

IMPORTANT DATES

Registration Opens: Thursday, July 20, 2026

Registration Deadline: December 30, 2026

Division Change Deadline: December 31, 2026

Brackets Posted: 48–72 Hours Before Competition

No division changes will be accepted after the published deadline.

CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS

Gold Medal

Silver Medal

Bronze Medal

Additional awards may include:

• Banners

• Team Championships

• Outstanding Competitor Awards

• Championship Belts (Select Divisions)

MAKE HISTORY

Thousands of athletes will compete throughout 2027.

Only one tournament gives you the opportunity to say:

"I competed on the very first Sunday of the new year."

Be among the athletes who launch the season.

Represent your academy.

Test your skills.

Inspire your teammates.

Build momentum that carries throughout the year.

When 2027 is over, you'll remember where it all began.

It begins here.

January 3, 2027.

World Grappling Championships Invitational Season Opener.

Start Your Year Like a Champion.