Competitors from more than 20 countries are expected to take to the mats Saturday, Oct. 24, for the finale of the Marianas Pro circuit.
According to a release from organizers, the event is made possible through a partnership between the Marianas Sports Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the Asian Sport Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The partnership helped establish a competitive network connecting athletes across Asia to the championship in Guam.
Organizers reported that more than 2,000 people attended Marianas Pro circuit events in Nagoya, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong, with events selling out or approaching capacity. The event at Quantum Sky Mall in the Philippines drew 6,000 attendees, according to organizers.
“That momentum now carries into the finale,” the release said. Organizers expect competitors representing Canada, Great Britain, France, the United States, Brazil, China and countries throughout Asia, reflecting the tournament's reach across established and emerging jiu-jitsu communities.
Organizers said the event also highlights Guam's jiu-jitsu community.
“Each stop gives Guam a recurring presence in international markets, introducing athletes, academies and spectators to the Marianas Open and building anticipation for the championship that brings them to the island,” organizers said.
More than 1,000 visiting athletes and their family members are expected to attend. Organizers said the influx of international competitors could benefit local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and retailers.
“Some visiting athletes have already arrived, with local gyms reporting competitors training at their facilities ahead of the championship. Those early arrivals extend the event's impact beyond tournament day, supporting local academies and allowing visitors more time to experience Guam,” the release said.
The Marianas Open website cites an estimated $2 million in economic impact.
Organizers said training sessions and championship matches also give Guam's jiu-jitsu community opportunities to build relationships with visiting competitors and coaches.
The Marianas Open also serves as an international platform for Guam, organizers said. The event's reach extends beyond competition venues, with organizers reporting more than 4 million organic social media views over six months.
“The championship gives visitors a reason to experience the island firsthand, while its hospitality, community and attractions provide reasons to return,” organizers said.
Ahead of the event, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero welcomed competitors, coaches and their families to Guam.
“The Marianas Open competition stands as the gold standard in the tradition of competition of jiu jitsu in the region and we are honored to host it here on the island of Guam,” Leon Guerrero said. “Guam has a rich history in the tradition of winning sports including jiujitsu and we are excited.”
Guam is the final stop on the Marianas Pro circuit. Competitors earned ranking points at regional events across the Asia-Pacific to qualify for the championship in Guam.
“For competitors who earned their passage through regional events, it is the opportunity to complete a season-long journey on Guam. For local athletes, it is the chance to represent their island at home against an international field. For the wider community, the championship is an invitation to welcome the world and take part in an event whose identity and ambition remain rooted in Guam,” the release said.