Adam Wardzinski just left his belt on the mat to signal his retirement immediately after becoming the first European to win an IBJJF grand slam. It’s been an incredibly long road for Wardzinski to get to this point, as he has already spent around a decade competing at the highest level of the sport. Wardzinski only started Jiu-Jitsu as an 18 year-old and after working hard to rise through the ranks, he became one of Poland’s top competitors and was promoted to black belt in 2016. Since then Wardzinski has become a fan-favorite for his mastery of the butterfly guard, but it wasn’t really until 2022 that he really hit his peak.
Wardzinski was already 30 when he won his first IBJJF major, taking home gold in the IBJJF European Championship in 2022. He had to wait a little before adding another prestigious gold medal to his collection though, as his next major title came in the following year at the IBJJF Pan Championship 2023. Wardzinski had established himself as a legitimate top contender on the international circuit with these accomplishments, but he was far from done. In 2024 he made history as the first European man to win an IBJJF world championship, setting a whole new standard and securing his legacy at the age of 33.
Despite turning 34 this year, Wardzinski has put together the greatest run of his career and accomplished more than he ever has before. He won all three major IBJJF tournaments and was a favorite to win the world title too, but there were plenty of tough opponents waiting for him. Wardzinski beat 4 of the best gi grapplers in the heavyweight division at the IBJJF World Championship 2025 and completed a flawless 13-match run in IBJJF competition this year. Immediately after his hand was raised and he had officially made history as the first European IBJJF grand slam winner, Adam Wardzinski left his black belt on the mat in the traditional signal that he would be retiring from competition.
The full IBJJF World Championship 2025 event replay, including Adam Wardzinski retiring after becoming the first European grand slam winner, is available to watch on FloGrappling, click here to subscribe and watch.
