ADCC West Coast Trials 2026: Eight Grapplers Punch Tickets to Worlds
The 2026 ADCC West Coast Trials wrapped up in Pomona, California, and the final North American qualifier delivered exactly what the Trials are known for: deep brackets, chaotic scrambles, veteran comebacks, and breakout performances under pressure.
Held at Fairplex Expo Hall 9, the event served as one of the last major gateways into the 2026 ADCC World Championships in Krakow, Poland. Across two days of no-gi action, eight athletes earned their place on the sport’s biggest stage.
The most familiar name to casual fans may have been Sarah Galvao, who entered the women’s 65 kg division as one of the most hyped young stars in the sport. Galvao did not need long to validate that attention, winning the bracket and submitting Jadeya Reber in the final by rear naked choke.
On the men’s side, Gianni Grippo delivered one of the weekend’s biggest veteran performances. Competing at 66 kg, Grippo won the division with a short choke finish over Dominic Mejia in the final, securing his return to ADCC Worlds more than a decade after his first appearance.
The 88 kg division was one of the most heavily watched brackets of the weekend, and Nathan Haddad came through the fire. Haddad defeated Ryan Aitken in the final, adding a major Trials title to his résumé and earning his first ADCC World Championship invite.
At 77 kg, Michael Sainz continued his rise with a decision win over Max Hanson in the final. Sainz’s run stood out for his pace, wrestling, and willingness to scramble through tough positions, giving the division one of its most exciting new names heading into ADCC 2026.
The heavier divisions produced their own statement winners. Elder Cruz won 99 kg, defeating Steffen Banta in the final, while Nick Hartman took the +99 kg title with a straight ankle lock over Francis Pana. Hartman’s run was especially impressive, with multiple submissions across the bracket.
In the women’s 55 kg division, Sheliah Lindsey captured gold with a 3-0 win over Valerie Hamilton, capping off a strong weekend that included multiple rear naked choke victories. At women’s +65 kg, Paige Borras defeated Elizabeth Mitrovic by decision to claim the final women’s invite from the event.
You can watch what went down on Flograppling here.
2026 ADCC West Coast Trials Winners
Men’s 66 kg: Gianni Grippo
Men’s 77 kg: Michael Sainz
Men’s 88 kg: Nathan Haddad
Men’s 99 kg: Elder Cruz
Men’s +99 kg: Nick Hartman
Women’s 55 kg: Sheliah Lindsey
Women’s 65 kg: Sarah Galvao
Women’s +65 kg: Paige Borras
With the West Coast Trials complete, the ADCC 2026 field is nearly set. The event showed the full range of the current no-gi scene: established names still proving they belong, rising prospects forcing their way into the conversation, and a fresh group of qualifiers now preparing for the sport’s most prestigious tournament.
For fans, Pomona was less a qualifier than a warning shot. The new class of ADCC competitors is officially coming. Next up on the agenda is the Atlanta Open on May 30th, 2026
