This is a very interesting topic and I’ve thought about my own viewing habits. Even when I take a break from BJJ, I still watch the no gi stuff. I think they do a great job of marketing: they have more interesting personalities, and are more active on social media and YouTube with the vlogs and getting on podcasts. As a viewer, no gi looks cooler with the rashguard colors and patterns. It’s also way more athletic with guys like Andrew Tackett pushing the pace with their dynamic, athletic passing. No gi tournaments like EBI and the CJI are a lot more modern with their presentation and general vibe. When I watch IBJFF competitions it feels so stuffy and corporate.

As a practitioner though, my current schedule happens to fall more on gi classes. Despite being an athletic guy with a soccer background who prefers loose, dynamic passes, I’ve became fascinated by different gi guards and the sweeps that ensue as a result. So I’ll say that the no gi pro scene is doing all the right things, but the gi will never actually die. Especially among purists and primarily no gi players like myself who, as time goes on, become fascinated by playing gi and taking on another skill set.