The ADCC Oceania Open 2024 took place on July 13th, 2024 and some of the best grapplers from all around Australia entered the tournament. Unfortunately there were no women’s professional divisions due to the lack of competitors, but there were a few big names in the men’s divisions. CJ Heske was able to demonstrate once again why he is one of the most well-respected grapplers in Australia, as he won both of his matches in the under 91kg division by submission to take home the gold medal. Heske did start off his run in the absolute division in equally promising fashion by submitting his first opponent, but ran into trouble in the semi-final.
Heske came up against two-time ADCC Trials winner Josh Saunders in the semi-final and Saunders was fresh off winning the over 100kg division as well. Saunders submitted Heske and kept up his 100% finishing rate across all 5 of his matches, becoming the double champion. Heske went into the bronze medal match at that point and he was up against famous Personal Trainer James Smith, but Heske was able to win his final match of the day in order to add another medal to his collection.
It was a great day for Australian competitors all round really, as every single champion in the professional divisions was from Australia. In fact, only 7 out of the 22 medals won went to competitors from elsewhere in the world. Obviously there were more Australian competitors in general because the tournament took place in Sydney, but it did attract a fair few grapplers from other countries regardless. Jiu-Jitsu has been on the rise in Australia over the last few years and thanks to huge influences like Lachlan Giles and Craig Jones, the country is now a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
ADCC Oceania Open 2024 Full Results
Men’s Divisions
Under 65kg
1 – Michael De Marco
2 – Muhammad Al Kheir
3 – Aaron Maher
Under 70kg
1 – Colby Allen
2 – Eoghan Drumgoole
3 – Ethan Smith
Under 76kg
1 – Ryan Paul
2 – Kennosuke Shimizu
Under 83kg
1 – Melih Haktan
2 – Suwit Kimsat
3 – Kaan Husmek
Under 91kg
1 – CJ Heske
2 – Luke Marko
3 – Harrison Everett
Under 100kg
1 – Thomas David
2 – Nemanja Bubnjevic
3 – Josh Shipton
Over 100kg
1 – Josh Saunders
2 – Tony Dib
Absolute Division
1 – Josh Saunders
2 – Luke Marko
3 – CJ Heske
