Gabriel de Jesus dos Santos, a prominent Brazilian jiu-jitsu athlete known for his relentless discipline and an astonishing collection of over 100 titles, is setting his sights on the pinnacle of his sport: the 2026 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Currently ranked third globally in his division by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the Brazilian powerhouse is poised to challenge for gold in Long Beach, California, on May 28.
Reflecting on his journey, de Jesus dos Santos reveals a career rooted in unwavering commitment. “I have been a professional athlete since December 2015, so over a decade,” he states. His daily regimen is a testament to this longevity: “I train at least twice a day. Throughout all these years of training, I’ve always done one strength and conditioning session and one Jiu-Jitsu session.”
His extraordinary record, boasting more than 80 titles won exclusively in Brazil over a ten-year period, alongside 33 titles secured in the United States, speaks volumes about his sustained excellence. “I won more than 80 titles during the years I competed exclusively in Brazil, over a 10-year period. I competed whenever I had the opportunity. Even as a child, I was already competing against adults and standing out in championships in my state,” he recalls. His IBJJF-specific tally stands at an impressive 38 titles, placing him among the sport’s elite.
Now, with the 2026 World IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship coming up in May in Long Beach, de Jesus dos Santos exudes confidence. “I’m very excited about this date. According to the IBJJF ranking, I’m one of the favorites to win the title, currently ranked third and very close to reaching second place,” he shares. His determination is palpable: “I work hard every single day, and for that reason, I can’t wait to conquer the world.”
What truly distinguishes de Jesus dos Santos in a sport teeming with talent is his philosophy of continuous improvement. “My competitive edge comes from discipline and consistency. I train every day with the mindset of being better than I was yesterday,” he explains. “I study positions, repeat techniques countless times, and never stop fighting until the very last second. Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about talent—it’s about dedication. Every day I push myself to go further, learn more, and evolve as both an athlete and a person.”
His consistently strong performances in recent years underscore this dedication. In 2026 alone, he secured double gold—first place in both Open Class and Medium Heavy categories—at the Austin Winter International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship, repeating the feat at the Atlanta Winter International Open IBJJF. The previous year, 2025, saw him dominate the Kansas City and San Antonio International Open IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Heavy and Open Class divisions, adding to a string of first and high-tier placements. His 2024 record also includes multiple firsts, such as at the New Orleans Fall International Open IBJJF, showcasing his versatility across categories.
Beyond his extensive medal count, Gabriel de Jesus dos Santos has established a reputation for his prowess in both Gi (traditional uniform) and No-Gi formats, demonstrating a deep understanding and adaptability within the sport. His career, spanning from blue to purple belt accomplishments to his current black belt elite status, is a testament to his sustained excellence across various tournaments and categories.
As Gabriel de Jesus dos Santos prepares for his next monumental challenge, his journey serves as an inspiring narrative of dedication, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of greatness. With a rich history of competitive success and a future brimming with potential, he stands out as an elite professional poised to further cement his legacy in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
