In a surprising revelation, Craig Jones shared that the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) lost all revenue from its opening day due to music copyright complications!
Here is what happened, as explained by Jones via social media:
We lost day 1 due to copyrighted music and only made money off day 2.
I wanted every dollar to stay on our channel.
Despite the hiccup, Jones made it clear that this decision was a strategic one, aimed at ensuring long-term control over content and maximizing future sponsor engagement:
The more views we get on our channel, the better for sponsors to build CJI 2.
Even with the initial financial loss, the event achieved an impressive philanthropic milestone.
Speaking from Rio de Janeiro, Jones announced that the tournament raised $500,000 for cancer research, with the funds going to Tap Cancer Out – a nonprofit that rallies the martial arts community to support cancer-related causes.
In total, Jones claimed that CJI donated approximately $750,000 to charity.
Here is what Jon Thomas, the founder of the Tap Cancer Out foundation had to say about the donation:
These gifts help accelerate our lofty goals and plans to give the global BJJ community the opportunity to fight for those in the fight of their lives.
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