Throne Debuts: AVA’s First Invitational Superfight Event

July 1, 2025 AVA

Throne is AVA’s newest event, an invitational superfight series where top-ranked athletes compete for a chance to claim the first Throne titles. The event also features a lineup of preliminary matches and will make its debut on July 5, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta.

The concept for Throne grew out of the former AVA Pro Show, which was originally part of Ultra, the year end finale tournament that featured pro divisions. After the BC Athletic Commission prohibited cash prizes for amateur events, including submission grappling, Throne was created as a standalone event and moved outside of British Columbia to allow for prize awards.

Throne title matches follow the newly introduced 54/11 format (“Fifty-Four Eleven”):

• Round 1: 5 minutes

• Round 2: 4 minutes (if needed)

• Overtime: 1 minute per athlete (if needed)

A one-minute break separates Rounds 1 and 2, but if the match proceeds to overtime, it begins immediately after the second round. Any submission during regulation time ends the match right away.

To earn a spot in a title match, athletes must compete in Throne Qualifier divisions held throughout the year and collect enough ranking points to secure the #1 spot by the end of the season. At this first event event, the top-ranked athletes in each division will compete for the title and the distinction of becoming the first Throne champions. Titleholders will be expected to defend their positions at future events. If a champion steps down or withdraws, the title becomes vacant, and the next two top-ranked athletes will compete for it. There are no placeholders or interim titles—every title must be earned and defended.

Each Throne division champion will receive a custom-designed championship belt inspired by Greek mythology, tying into the event’s name and theme. The men’s belt features Zeus, god of sky and thunder, surrounded by lightning bolts. The women’s belt highlights Athena, goddess of war, with her iconic spear.

In addition to the belt, each champion will also receive a cash prize.

Alongside the title fights, the event will feature a lineup of preliminary matches showcasing local talent looking to earn their moment in the spotlight. These matches will follow official AVA tournament rules rather than the 54/11 format.

Throne marks a new era for AVA, offering top athletes an exclusive stage to earn their title and claim their rightful place upon the Throne.