East Coast Trials wrapped this weekend in Orlando and if you weren’t paying attention, you missed a big shift. These trials weren’t just about getting an invite, they were about proving you belong in the room with the world’s best. Some came in with names, others made theirs. Either way, five more North Americans just punched their ticket to ADCC 2026.
Men’s Divisions:
At 66 kg, Dorian Olivarez ran through the bracket again. This kid’s guard passing is nightmare fuel and fresh off his amazing showing at CJI2. Seven matches, four subs, and a shutout win in the finals. Nobody is keeping up with his pace right now in this weight class.
77 kg gave us a breakout from Jacob Bornemann out of Pedigo(Daisy Fresh). Seven matches, zero points scored against him. That’s wild. The kid has ice in his veins. Pedigo stays building monsters.
Thor Blank came back at 88 kg and reminded everyone who he is, a ADCC vet who took 4th in 2019. Five subs out of six matches. Barely spent 20 minutes on the mat all weekend. It’s been a minute since 2019, but he’s back in the big show repping 10th Planet.
At 99 kg, Achilles Rocha played a smart game and shut his whole division down. No points scored against, stayed composed, and handled business. Not flashy, just effective.
+99 went to Brandon Reed, another Pedigo(Daisy Fresh) guy, and this is his second time going to ADCC. Five wins, two subs, and a solid weekend from top to bottom with some real dynamic matches.
Women’s Divisions:
No ADCC invites were handed out for the women unfortunately, but the talent was deep.
Ana Mayordomo took the 55 kg division with clean technique and high pace. She’s young but experienced, and a real problem moving forward.
Morgan Black won the 65 kg bracket with a quick sub in the finals. She’s been steady and improving, and it showed here.
+65 had one of the best storylines of the weekend. Maia Matalon took gold, but 13-year-old Joslyn Molina walked away with a bronze and made ADCC Trials history. Youngest medalist ever. That’s not a typo. Only loss was to Matalon herself.
Even without direct invites, the women who won this weekend almost guarantee themselves a shot again next year, and history says they’ll be on the podium again.
Final Take:
This was one of the most stacked Trials events North America has ever seen. The names who won weren’t accidents. They showed up sharp, consistent, and with serious game plans.
There are still more spots left for 2026, but if you want one, you better be ready for war.
