The most anticipated gi tournament of the year returns to the iconic Walter Pyramid in just a few days time, and it is no exaggeration to say that this is one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in its rich 25-year history.

There are nearly two dozen first year black belts registered for the 2022 IBJJF World Championship. This year's will be one of the most stacked Worlds in recent memory, but the rookies should not be counted out. In some divisions, they may even be the favorites to win the whole thing.