All week long, we’ve been rolling out some of the top athletes registered for the 1st ADCC North American Trials, taking place on November 6-7 in Atlantic City, NJ. Each male division winner will automatically qualify for the 2022 ADCC World Championships in Las Vegas next September. 

ADCC is the biggest stage in grappling, which makes each of the continental trials one of the most important stepping stones for any grappler looking to etch his name in the history books.

There are more than 60 athletes registered in the 99 kg division, and nearly 60 registered in the +99 kg division, meaning the heavyweight winners will have to fight through five or six divisions to earn their spot at ADCC worlds.

It’s a tough task, no doubt. But a few of the athletes registered for this event have already proven they can handle the challenge.

See some of the biggest stars registered for the lighter brackets here: 

66 kg | 77 kg | 88 kg

99 kg Division

Mason Fowler | Brasa CTA

Mason Fowler has already earned his way to ADCC worlds once before, defeating five opponents at the 2019 West Coast Trials, including a submission victory in the final. The 6-0 MMA veteran scored a victory in his first round match at ADCC worlds before falling to Craig Jones, but has been on an absolute tear since, especially on the SUG circuit. He’s an ace wrestler with a phenomenal ability to control his opponents, which could leave him primed for another shot at ADCC, this time in a weight class higher than where he qualified two years ago.

Paul Ardila | American Top Team

Paul Ardila is a two-time ADCC veteran, and he earned his shot both times. He won the West Coast Trials in 2017, defeating all of his opponents on score and never conceding a point. In his second try, at the 2019 West Coast Trials, he submitted all three of his opponents on the way to the semis, where he lost to Fowler. But he bounced back, catching another submission in the third place match, and earning an invitation to the 2019 World Championships.

Adrila has exactly the style that the ADCC organizers are looking for, and he could secure yet another opportunity to compete with the best in the world if he does well in this 61-man 99 kg division.

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Paul Ardila at the 2019 West Coast Trials

Devhonte Johnson | Unity

Devhonte Johnson has limited experience under the ADCC ruleset, but he appears as ready as ever to make a statement. This has been one of the most successful years of his career; he’s already collected No-Gi Pans and No-Gi Worlds titles in 2021, and a gold at trials would seem to complete a trifecta of the major no-gi events this year.

He’s already defeated several trials winners and ADCC vets this year, including Eliot Kelly, Fellipe Andrew and Mike Perez. He’ll still have to prove himself in the ADCC format, but Johnson has plenty of momentum on which to build.

Over 99 kg Division

John Hansen | Axios

John Hansen came close to qualifying for the 2019 ADCC World Championships, taking second place in the +99 kg division at the 2019 West Coast Trials behind Nick Rodriguez. Since then, he’s piled up a number of podium finishes in the IBJJF no-gi circuit, including a bronze medal at the most recent No-Gi Worlds, and medals at the 2020 and 2021 No-Gi Pans.

Joe Baize | OCBJJ

Joe Baize is one of the oldest entrants at this iteration of the East Coast Trials, and a true veteran of the tournament. Baize won the event more than a decade ago, qualifying for the 2011 World Championships where he lost to Rodolfo Vieira in the first round. He hit the podium at trials again in 2012.

Baize has continued to compete, and still carries a reputation as a dangerous leg locker. Don’t let his age fool you; he could do damage in this 58-man division.