A rundown of the biggest and most respected submission grappling / NOGi jiu-jitsu tournaments worldwide, where elite athletes and rising talents compete.
(photo: Gordon Ryan vs Andre Galvao | ADCC 2022 Superfight)

ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Fighting)

The most prestigious PRO NOGi event in the world. Held every 2 years (the “Olympics of grappling”). Features trials across continents to qualify athletes also many opens and nationals, for all amateur athletes, in several countries, spread mainly across Western and Eastern Europe, Southwest Asia, the Middle East, Oceania and the Americas.

PRO Tournaments
_ ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship (every 2 years)

There are usually two trials per major region in the lead-up to ADCC Worlds:

_ ADCC North America (East Coast & West Coast)

_ ADCC South America (primarily Brazil)

_ ADCC Europe (often split into East and West)

_ ADCC Asia & Oceania (includes Australia, Japan, Central Asia, etc.)

_ ADCC Africa (not always consistent, but sometimes included)

AMATEUR Tournaments

_ ADCC Amateur World Championship (Poland)

_ ADCC Opens or Invitational ( Open divisions that are to all levels, ages, and skill levels, including beginners through advanced and all weight classes, for amateur grapplers.

_ ADCC Nationals (Competition is open ONLY to athletes who are local citizens or have residence in the country) 

https://adcombat.com/adcc-events/

IBJJF No-Gi Worlds (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation)

An annual event of great prestige in the jiu-jitsu community. Black belt champions are considered NOGi world champions under IBJJF rules. These tournaments are held in the second half of the year. IBJJF registration/membership is required to compete.

Amateur competition featuring several JJ NOGi [4] tournaments, forming the Grand Slam.

_ World JJ NOGi Championship (Las Vegas)

_ European JJ NOGi Championship (Rome)

_ Pan-American JJ NOGi Championship (NY)

_ Brazilian JJ NOGi Championship (Rio de Janeiro)

_ International Open IBJJF JJ NOGi Championship
(many cities around the globe)

https://ibjjf.com/events/calendar

NAGA (North American Grappling Association)

One of the largest and oldest grappling tournament organizations in the world (founded in the 1990s). Runs hundreds of tournaments annually, mostly across the U.S., but also internationally. Offers both Gi and NOGi divisions, from kids to masters. Uses point-based rules with submission victories prioritized.

Vital for the amateur and semi-pro scene. Known as a proving ground for thousands of competitors. Less prestige at the elite/pro level compared to ADCC/IBJJF, but extremely important in giving athletes regular competition experience.

https://www.nagafighter.com/events/

Grappling Industries

A newer but rapidly growing global tournament circuit. Runs events across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.  Round-robin style instead of single elimination, which gives athletes multiple matches per division. Both Gi and NOGi offered.

Highly valued for development and experience, since athletes don’t travel for one-and-done matches. Seen as one of the most athlete-friendly circuits for consistent competition. Great stepping stone for athletes building experience before entering higher-prestige tournaments.

https://grapplingindustries.com/events/

AIGA (Amateur International Grappling Association)

A newer grappling league based in Central Asia that is gaining recognition. AIGA offers amateur and pro competitions with prize money and production value. It's popular in regions like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and is expanding to Europe and beyond.

Major Open Amateur Championships

_ AIGA WORLD Championship

_ AIGA ASIAN Championship

_ AIGA European Championship

Primarily NOGi submission grappling. It uses a modified ruleset, closer to the ADCC style (focusing on submissions with points). Often structured in team-based leagues or professional events. Gaining a reputation as a serious competitive platform outside of the US/Brazil-centric circuits. It offers international athletes (especially from Eastern Europe and Central Asia) the chance to shine. Still growing, but considered a rising professional-level organization, not just an amateur one. 

There are also several NOGi (Submission Grappling) competitions promoted by other Jiu-Jitsu Federations:

• International - AJP and SJJIF

• National - CBJJ, CFJJB, FPJJ, UKBJJA, BBJITA, and others
  
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