ADCC European Trials results and highlights: 7 more qualify

The second ADCC European, Middle East, and African Trials took place on Saturday, May 7, live from Poznan, Poland. Seven more athletes secured their spot at the ADCC World Championships later this year, including gi specialist Tommy Langaker and New Wave Jiu-Jitsu representatives Luke Griffith and Daniel Manasoiu.

Although he has competed almost exclusively in the gi, Langaker showed quality wrestling and solid front headlocks to complement his advanced guard and back-taking game. Langaker earned four submission wins across seven matches to punch his ticket to the ADCC World Championships. An IBJJF European Open gi champion, Langaker could be a surprise threat at 77 kg.

Also of note, John Danaher’s New Wave Jiu-Jitsu had a strong showing, qualifying two athletes. West Coast Trials silver medalist Manasoiu submitted three of his four opponents and will join his teammate Gordon Ryan in the heavyweight division at the ADCC World Championships, where he is likely to be the the tournament’s largest competitor.

And at 99 kg, South African purple belt Griffith impressed, showing off his preternatural submission abilities that will make him a dark horse at the World Championships. Griffith will join his teammate Nicholas Meregali.

Below are the divisional champions from the second ADCC European, Middle East, and African Trials:

Men’s divisions

  • 99+ kg: Daniel Mansoiu
  • 99 kg: Luke Griffith
  • 88 kg: Santeri Lilius
  • 77 kg: Tommy Langaker
  • 66 kg: Sam McNally

Women’s divisions

  • 60+ kg: Eleftheria Christodoulou
  • 60 kg: Julia Maele

The ADCC World Championships take place on September 17-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.

Ben Coate

Ben has been involved with grappling, whether through wrestling or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, essentially his entire life. After wrestling throughout his childhood, Ben found Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a young adult and quickly fell in love. He has been training for over ten years and holds the rank of black belt, and remains involved in both the MMA and BJJ scene. Ben has been writing about combat sports since 2017. He has interviewed and profiled some of MMA's biggest stars, including multiple UFC champions.

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