Ah, grappling fans, it’s that time again—when the hype machine cranks up to eleven, and we’re all supposed to lose our minds over a couple of big-name tournaments. On one side, we’ve got the ADCC Worlds 2024, the so-called “Olympics of Grappling,” and on the other, the up-and-coming Craig Jones’ Invitational, which—let’s be honest—sounds like a breath of fresh air in a sport that’s been suffocating under its own seriousness. So, which one should you really care about? Let’s break it down.

Craig Jones’ Invitational: Finally, a Tournament That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

First up, Craig Jones’ Invitational. Yes, you heard that right—Craig Jones, the Aussie who’s more famous for his Instagram antics and razor-sharp wit than for his gold medals, is throwing his own tournament. And you know what? It’s about time. This is the grappling event we didn’t know we desperately needed.

Jones has always been the guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously, and that’s exactly what this sport needs. Grappling has been bogged down for too long by its own self-importance. We’ve been fed the same line over and over: “This is a lifestyle, a grind, a warrior’s path.” Blah, blah, blah. Enough already! Enter Craig Jones, who’s here to remind us that, hey, it’s okay to have a little fun while you’re trying to twist someone’s limbs off.

The Lineup: More Than Just Muscles—A Showcase of Personality

Jones isn’t just pulling together a bunch of no-names to make himself look good (though, let’s face it, he wouldn’t be above that). No, the lineup for his Invitational is stacked with athletes who, like him, understand that grappling can be entertaining without sacrificing skill. These are not just your typical meatheads who grunt and groan their way through matches. These are athletes who bring flair, creativity, and—dare I say—personality to the mat.

What’s refreshing here is the lack of pretension. This isn’t going to be another parade of faceless, interchangeable grapplers who are only distinguishable by how many sponsors they’ve crammed onto their rash guards. Jones’ Invitational is all about showing that grappling can be exciting and accessible. You don’t need to be a die-hard BJJ nerd to enjoy this—you just need to appreciate a good show.

ADCC Worlds 2024: The Bloated Behemoth of Grappling

Now, let’s talk about ADCC Worlds 2024, the so-called “pinnacle” of grappling. If you’re not familiar, ADCC is the event where we’re all supposed to stand in awe as the greatest grapplers on the planet duke it out. But let’s be honest for a second: does anyone else feel like this thing has gotten a bit too big for its own good?

ADCC used to be the event you couldn’t miss, the one where legends were made. But over the years, it’s started to feel more like a bloated behemoth—a tournament so wrapped up in its own legacy that it’s forgotten what made it special in the first place. The production values might be high, and the names might be big, but where’s the heart? Where’s the soul?

The Same Old Story: Prestige Over Personality

Every two years, we get the same old story: ADCC is the ultimate test of a grappler’s skill, the place where careers are defined. But here’s the thing—ADCC has become more about preserving its “prestige” than actually pushing the sport forward. It’s the kind of event that’s so concerned with its own reputation that it can’t afford to take risks, can’t afford to be anything less than “serious.” And that’s exactly why it’s starting to feel stale.

Sure, you’ll see some of the biggest names in the sport competing, but how often do you actually remember the matches? How often do you walk away from an ADCC event feeling like you’ve seen something new, something groundbreaking? More often than not, it’s the same old grind—ultra-technical matches that might impress the die-hards but leave everyone else yawning.

Why Craig Jones’ Invitational Is the Future

So, why should you be more excited about Craig Jones’ Invitational than ADCC Worlds? Because Jones is doing something different. He’s not just rehashing the same old formula and slapping a new label on it. He’s creating an event that’s as much about entertainment as it is about competition.

Jones understands that if grappling is ever going to break out of its niche and reach a broader audience, it needs to be fun, it needs to be engaging, and, most importantly, it needs to be accessible. You don’t need a Ph.D. in leg locks to appreciate the action at his Invitational—you just need to show up and enjoy the show.

The Bottom Line: Choose Fun Over Formality

So, here’s the deal: if you’re looking for an event that’s going to remind you why you fell in love with grappling in the first place, Craig Jones’ Invitational is the one to watch. It’s fresh, it’s exciting, and it’s exactly what this sport needs right now. ADCC Worlds 2024 might have the prestige, but it’s also weighed down by its own expectations. It’s the safe bet, the event everyone says you should care about. But sometimes, the safe bet is just…boring.

Do yourself a favor this year. Watch Craig Jones’ Invitational, and let yourself be entertained. Save the ADCC Worlds for when you’re in the mood for something heavy and serious. But if you want to have a good time, you know where to be.