The road to an IBJJF Grand Slam is already narrowing.

With the European Championships in the rearview, the 2026 season is officially underway and the list of athletes still in contention for one of the sport’s rarest achievements is already shrinking fast.

To complete the IBJJF Grand Slam, an athlete must win gold at all four major gi events: Staring with Worlds the previous year and then followed by Europeans, Pans, and Brasileiros.

It’s a feat that has historically been nearly impossible, reserved for only a handful of names in the sport’s history.

Now, heading into the 2026 Pan Championships, just a select group remains alive in the hunt.

The 2026 Grand Slam Hopefuls

Jalen Fonacier

One of the breakout names to watch, Jalen Fonacier has quietly positioned himself in the Grand Slam race after a strong start to the season in Europe.

Fonacier represents the new wave of talent pushing into the black belt ranks, and a win at Pans would instantly elevate him from rising prospect to legitimate title threat across the entire season. 

Jalen may have surprised people at the 2025 World Championships, but at this point, it would be a surprise if anyone stops him.

Diego Pato

No one on this list understands the magnitude of this moment better than Diego Pato.

Fresh off completing a historic Grand Slam run in 2025, Pato is once again in position to chase history.

That alone makes him one of the most dangerous athletes in the bracket.

Pato has already proven he can navigate the pressure, the target on his back, and the grueling gauntlet of four majors. Doing it once is rare. Doing it twice would be legendary.

Tainan Dalpra

Tainan Dalpra is no stranger to Grand Slam conversations.

A previous Grand Slam winner earlier in his career, Dalpra has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant competitors of his generation.

Now, once again, he finds himself in the exact same position in 2026.

Dalpra’s game is defined by precision, control, and an ability to impose his style on even the most dangerous opponents. Tainan is on a generational run and won't just be looking to lock up another Grand Slam title. He's trying to cement his legacy for decades to come. 

Gabi Pessanha — Double Grand Slam Watch

And then there’s Gabi Pessanha.

Not only is she still in the hunt for a Grand Slam—she’s chasing something even bigger.

A double Grand Slam.

By winning both her weight class and the absolute division at each major, Pessanha has the opportunity to achieve one of the most dominant seasons imaginable.

It’s not uncharted territory for her either. Pessanha has already accomplished double Grand Slam runs earlier in her career and remains one of the most dominant forces in the sport today.

If history tells us anything, she’s the safest bet on this list.

But she’s not invincible.

Pessanha suffered a rare loss at Brasileiros last season—her lone gi defeat of the year—a reminder that even the most dominant champions can be tested when the pressure is highest.

If she can navigate Pans with double gold, the possibility of another historic run becomes very real.

What’s At Stake In 2026

The IBJJF Grand Slam season moves quickly.

After Pans (March 25–29), the window tightens even further with Brasileiros immediately following in late April. One loss at any point ends the run. That’s what makes this chase so compelling.

By the time the dust settles in Florida, the list of hopefuls will likely shrink even further—and the pressure will only continue to build.

For now, four names remain.

By the end of Pans, that number could be even smaller.

And the road to one of jiu-jitsu’s most prestigious accomplishments will be that much closer to its final chapter.