File No. 18: The Tournament Experience

What separates a great grappling tournament from a frustrating one?

Joey Hauss and Eric Medina discuss the details that make or break the competitor experience—from weigh-ins, warm-up areas, and scheduling to refereeing, hospitality, and event atmosphere.

With World Grappling Championships preparing for its first event on January 3, 2027, in Thousand Oaks, they share lessons from years of competing, officiating, and organizing tournaments.