Published 29 days ago
Mateusz Szczeciński makes history in Krakow: a historic bronze for Polish jiu-jitsu
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Mateusz Szczeciński made history for Polish jiu-jitsu by becoming the first Pole to medal at the ADCC World Championships 2026 in Krakow. After an overtime win against Jacob Bornemann, he claimed the bronze medal in the under 77 kg division, a feat that confirms Poland’s emergence in this elite sport.
To remember:
- Mateusz Szczeciński becomes the first Pole in history to medal at the ADCC World Championships 2026 in Krakow.
- He wins the bronze medal in the under 77 kg division after an overtime victory against Jacob Bornemann.
- His run includes wins over Julio Martins and Elijah Dorsey, followed by a semifinal loss to Magomed Dzharbaev.
A historic milestone for Polish jiu-jitsu
The ADCC World Championships 2026, held in Krakow, marked a turning point for Polish jiu-jitsu. Mateusz Szczeciński etched his name in history by winning the bronze medal in the under 77 kg division, becoming the first Pole to step onto the podium of this legendary competition. A result made even more remarkable by the fact that it joins that of Maria Małyjasiak, the only other Polish athlete to have medaled at ADCC to date.
His journey, fraught with challenges, reached its peak against Jacob Bornemann, whom he defeated on penalties in the final seconds of overtime. Before this victory, Szczeciński had bested Julio Martins and Elijah Dorsey, only to fall in the semifinals to the formidable Magomed Dzharbaev. A performance that cements his elite status at just 26 years old.
This bronze could well be the springboard to a future gold medal. With this podium finish, Szczeciński joins the exclusive circle of European grapplers capable of shining on the ADCC stage. His consistency against top-tier opponents, such as his technical win over Bornemann, showcases a tactical maturity rare for his age.
Krakow, Europe’s jiu-jitsu capital
Hosting the ADCC World Championships 2026 in Krakow allowed Poland to shine on the international stage. This competition, one of the most prestigious in the world, highlighted the talent of local athletes. Szczeciński, by securing this podium, has not only made history for his country but also proven that Poland can compete with the best jiu-jitsu nations.
His path, marked by victories over formidable opponents, shows that Polish jiu-jitsu is on the rise. With athletes like Szczeciński and Małyjasiak, Poland could well become a major force in the sport in the years to come.
With this first Polish podium at ADCC, Mateusz Szczeciński has opened a new chapter for jiu-jitsu in Poland. His achievement in Krakow confirms that Polish athletes are now capable of competing with the world’s best grapplers. A result that offers hope for future competitions and could inspire a new generation of jiujitsukas in Poland.