{{Short description|Hungarian-American guitarist}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Zoltan Bathory | image = Five Finger Death Punch - 31.01.2020 - OVO Arena Wembley, London (cropped).jpg | caption = Bathory performing with Five Finger Death Punch in 2020 | image_upright = | alias = | birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1978|}} <!-- Per WP:DOB, do not list full birth date without providing a reliable source. --> | birth_place = Szentendre, Hungary<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 15, 2009 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH - A halálos magyar csapás |url=http://hammerworld.hu/211/five-finger-death-punch-halalos-magyar-csapas/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021162026/http://hammerworld.hu/211/five-finger-death-punch-halalos-magyar-csapas/ |archive-date=October 21, 2019 |website=hammerworld.hu |language=hu}}</ref> | instrument = Guitar | genre = {{flatlist| * Groove metal * heavy metal * alternative metal * nu metal * post-grunge * hard rock }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Entrepreneur * Musician * Songwriter * Record producer * Martial artist }} | years_active = | current_member_of = Five Finger Death Punch | past_member_of = U.P.O. | website = {{URL|zoltanbathory.com}} }} {{Western name order|Báthory Zoltán}} '''Zoltan Bathory''' (born in 1978<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 30, 2020|title=Zoltan Bathory: 'When I Say That Nothing Is Impossible, I Truly Believe It'|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/zoltan-bathory-when-i-say-that-nothing-is-impossible-i-truly-believe-it/|website=Kerrang!}}</ref>) is a Hungarian-American entrepreneur<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-03-19 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's ZOLTAN BATHORY Signs With UFC For PGF To Be Broadcast On UFC Fight Pass |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-signs-with-ufc-for-pgf-to-be-broadcast-on-ufc-fight-pass |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Five Finger Death Punch’s Zoltan Bathory Is Turning Jiu-Jitsu Into a Major League Sport |url=https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65450140/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-08-28 |title=Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch & PGF Close Another Seven-Figure Deal – Full Access Magazine |url=https://www.fullaccessmagazine.com/2025/08/28/zoltan-bathory-of-five-finger-death-punch-pgf-close-another-seven-figure-deal/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=THE CEO OF HEAVY METAL {{!}} TRR Legacy Feature |url=https://www.therockinroundtable.com/zoltan-bathory.html |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=www.therockinroundtable.com}}</ref> musician and martial artist. He is the founder and rhythm guitarist of Las Vegas-based heavy metal band Five Finger Death Punch. In 2010, he won the Metal Hammer Golden God award for "Best Shredder". Five Finger Death Punch has released nine studio albums and is one of the most successful modern metal bands.
He is an actively competing martial artist,<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 6, 2011|title=FFDP's Bathory pulls no punches|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?id=7067485|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=ESPN}}</ref> a first degree black belt<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clements|first=Averi|date=March 15, 2021|title=Five Finger Death Punch Guitarist Zoltan Bathory Earns BJJ Black Belt|url=https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/five-finger-death-punch-guitarist-zoltan-bathory-earns-bjj-black-belt/|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=jiujitsutimes.com}}</ref> in jiu-jitsu and 4th Degree<ref>{{Cite web |last=Admin |first=BJJEE1 |date=2025-09-15 |title=Judo Olympians Mike Swain and Joe Marchal Presents 4th Degree Certification at PGF World |url=https://www.bjjee.com/bjj-news/professional-grappling-federation-pgf-season-8-ends-with-a-bang/ |access-date=2025-09-15 |website=Bjj Eastern Europe |language=en-US}}</ref> Black Belt in judo, and 2021's Jiu-Jitsu American Nationals Silver Medalist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clements |first=Averi |date=2021-06-30 |title=Five Finger Death Punch's Zoltan Bathory Earns Double Silver At American Nationals |url=https://jiujitsutimes.com/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-earns-double-silver-at-american-nationals/ |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Jiu-Jitsu Times |language=en-US |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525063333/https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-earns-double-silver-at-american-nationals/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> in Black Belt Masters Super Heavy Division. Bathory is also a founding board member of the veterans nonprofit Home Deployment Project in Las Vegas and sits on the Board of Advisors at VETPAW (Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife), an anti-poaching organization operating on the African continent, composed of US combat veterans.
Bathory is involved in several business ventures across sports, apparel, beverage, and artist management. He is a co-owner and chairman<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bathory |first=Zoltan |title=Zoltan Bathory — Official Primary Source Reference |url=https://zoltanbathory.com/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=zoltanbathory.com |language=en}}</ref> of the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-01-29 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's ZOLTAN BATHORY Acquires Stake In PROFESSIONAL GRAPPLING FEDERATION |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-acquires-stake-in-professional-grappling-federation |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> a professional jiu-jitsu league featuring NFL - NHL style<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Nathan |date=2025-07-30 |title=Alabama's first pro grappling team joins Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) {{!}} Bham Now |url=https://bhamnow.com/2025/07/30/alabamas-first-pro-grappling-team-joins-professional-grappling-federation-pgf/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |language=en-US}}</ref> franchised team-based competition format.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=Professional Grappling Federation Confirms Colorado Franchise Acquisition and Outlines Multi-Year Expansion Trajectory |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/professional-grappling-federation-confirms-colorado-franchise-acquisition-and-outlines-multi-year-expansion-trajectory-302668237.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prweb.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=The Professional Grappling Federation Accelerates as the Major League of Jiu Jitsu With Another Seven-Figure Franchise Sale |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-professional-grappling-federation-accelerates-as-the-major-league-of-jiu-jitsu-with-another-seven-figure-franchise-sale-302535027.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> PGF events are broadcast on UFC Fight Pass<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-03-19 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's ZOLTAN BATHORY Signs With UFC For PGF To Be Broadcast On UFC Fight Pass |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-signs-with-ufc-for-pgf-to-be-broadcast-on-ufc-fight-pass |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH’s ZOLTAN BATHORY Signs With UFC For PGF To Be Broadcast On UFC Fight Pass |url=https://www.939xindy.com/2024/03/20/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-signs-with-ufc-for-pgf-to-be-broadcast-on-ufc-fight-pass/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=939X Indy's Rock Station - WNDX-FM |language=en}}</ref> the UFC’s official digital streaming platform.
He is also one of the founders of Alphadog<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bathory |first=Zoltan |title=Zoltan Bathory — Official Primary Source Reference |url=https://zoltanbathory.com/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=zoltanbathory.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alphadog Athletics |url=https://alphadogfightgear.com/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=alphadogfightgear.com}}</ref> (2004) and later Epic Roll (2020) <ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-31 |title=“By Grapplers, For Grapplers”: Epic Roll Set To Change Jiu-Jitsu Landscape |url=https://sensobjj.com/blogs/graciemag-1/by-grapplers-for-grapplers-epic-roll-set-to-change-jiu-jitsu-landscape |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Sensō Jiu Jitsu}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://epicrollbjj.com/pages/about-us |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Epic Roll BJJ |language=en}}</ref> sports and athletic apparel manufacturers, and an investor<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-19 |title=Startup CPG Newswire: Once Upon a Coconut Expands into Select Whole Foods Market Locations Across the West and Midwest |url=https://startupcpg.com/newswire/startup-cpg-newswire-once-upon-a-coconut-expands-into-select-whole-foods-market-locations-across-the-west-and-midwest |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Startup CPG |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Coconut |first=Once Upon A. |title=Once Upon A Coconut Expands Direct Store Delivery Footprint in Northeast U.S. |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/once-upon-a-coconut-expands-direct-store-delivery-footprint-in-northeast-us-302261983.html |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> in Once Upon a Coconut, a premium coconut water brand launched in 2020. In addition, Bathory has been involved in artist management and development, working with rock and metal bands including Bad Wolves<ref>{{Cite web |last=wookubus |date=2019-10-25 |title=Bad Wolves' Tommy Vext Credits Zoltan Bathory & Five Finger Death Punch With Helping Revitalize The Rock Genre |url=https://www.theprp.com/2019/10/25/news/bad-wolves-tommy-vext-credits-zoltan-bathory-five-finger-death-punch-with-helping-revitalize-the-rock-genre/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Theprp.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yoro |first=Marine |date=2018-02-26 |title=BAD WOLVES (04/12/17) |url=https://www.rockurlife.net/interviews-english/bad-wolves-04-12-17-2/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=RockUrLife - webzine rock, metal, alternatif, pop, punk, indie |language=fr-FR}}</ref> and Fire From the Gods.<ref>{{Cite web |last=wookubus |date=2019-07-26 |title=Fire From The Gods Debut "Truth To The Weak (Not Built To Collapse)" |url=https://www.theprp.com/2019/07/26/news/fire-from-the-gods-debut-truth-to-the-weak-not-built-to-collapse/ |access-date=2026-02-08 |website=Theprp.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Early life and education == Bathory grew up in Hungary during the country's final years under communist rule. Under the Hungarian education system, students were separated into specialist schools based on aptitude. Bathory was recruited to a mathematics-focused program with multiple math classes per day, with the aim of becoming a scientist.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chaospin.com/zoltan-bathory/ |title=10 Things You Didn't Know about Zoltan Bathory |publisher=Chaospin |date=July 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://thefanscotian.com/14819/uncategorized/zoltan-bathory-the-man-behind-the-punch/ |title=Zoltan Bathory: The Man Behind the Punch |publisher=The Fanscotian |date=June 21, 2022}}</ref> He also began training in judo at age nine through the state-sponsored athletics system,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/zoltan-bathory-when-i-say-that-nothing-is-impossible-i-truly-believe-it |title=Zoltan Bathory: When I Say That Nothing Is Impossible, I Truly Believe It |publisher=Kerrang! |date=March 30, 2020}}</ref> and started playing guitar at twelve, building his first instrument from a coffee table cut into the shape of a B.C. Rich Warlock and painted with military green tank paint.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fivefingerdeathpunch.co.uk/zoltan-bathory-talks-to-rockfeed-about-afterlife/ |title=Zoltan Bathory talks to RockFeed about AfterLife |publisher=Five Finger Death Punch UK |date=June 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://fivefingerdeathpunch.co.uk/zoltan-bathory-talks-to-black-rifle-coffee-about-how-a-combination-of-maths-science-art-and-guitar-shaped-his-future/ |title=Zoltan Bathory talks to Black Rifle Coffee |publisher=Five Finger Death Punch UK |date=August 1, 2020}}</ref> He began playing in bands at fourteen and completed his first tour at eighteen. Bathory completed a degree in micro-electronic engineering, during which he designed and built his own amplifiers and distortion pedals. He subsequently studied commercial art and design, and established a design studio during his school years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fivefingerdeathpunch.co.uk/zoltan-bathory-talks-to-black-rifle-coffee-about-how-a-combination-of-maths-science-art-and-guitar-shaped-his-future/ |title=Zoltan Bathory talks to Black Rifle Coffee |publisher=Five Finger Death Punch UK |date=August 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.charlieintel.com/call-of-duty/from-five-finger-death-punch-to-call-of-duty-how-zoltan-bathory-became-oz-operator-274018/ |title=From Five Finger Death Punch to Call of Duty: How Zoltan Bathory became Oz Operator |publisher=Charlie Intel |date=September 20, 2023}}</ref> He emigrated to the United States with a guitar, a bag of clothes, and a Hungarian-English dictionary, teaching himself English by translating books word by word.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://chaospin.com/zoltan-bathory/ |title=10 Things You Didn't Know about Zoltan Bathory |publisher=Chaospin |date=July 2, 2021}}</ref> In the United States, he worked as a pencil artist for comic book studios before becoming an art director on merchandise projects for the WWF, NASCAR, and Star Wars, while simultaneously playing in bands in New York City.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fivefingerdeathpunch.co.uk/zoltan-bathory-talks-to-black-rifle-coffee-about-how-a-combination-of-maths-science-art-and-guitar-shaped-his-future/ |title=Zoltan Bathory talks to Black Rifle Coffee |publisher=Five Finger Death Punch UK |date=August 1, 2020}}</ref> == Career == === Early career and founding Five Finger Death Punch (2000–2007) === In 2000, Bathory relocated from New York to Los Angeles, which was better suited for rock and metal at the time. While continuing to work as an art director on digital projects for the film and music industries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fivefingerdeathpunch.co.uk/zoltan-bathory-talks-to-black-rifle-coffee-about-how-a-combination-of-maths-science-art-and-guitar-shaped-his-future/ |title=Zoltan Bathory talks to Black Rifle Coffee |publisher=Five Finger Death Punch UK |date=August 1, 2020}}</ref> By 2004, he had transitioned to working in the space industry for organizations including the X-Prize , Ansari Space Alliance, and the Rocket Racing League, while writing music throughout. Bathory's earliest lineups in Los Angeles included Uros Raskovski of Steelheart, Philippe Mathys of Hydrovibe, and Nadja Peulen of Coal Chamber.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/zoltan-bathory-when-i-say-that-nothing-is-impossible-i-truly-believe-it |title=Zoltan Bathory: When I Say That Nothing Is Impossible, I Truly Believe It |publisher=Kerrang! |date=March 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/five-finger-death-punch-zoltan-bathory-new-music-interview/ |title=We Can Play This Game — Zoltan Bathory Discusses Why Five Finger Death Punch Are Re-Recording Their Music |publisher=Loudwire |date=June 6, 2025}}</ref> In 2004, Bathory and Mathys temporarily joined the post-grunge band U.P.O. for their US tour.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.last.fm/music/U.P.O./+wiki |title=U.P.O. Biography |publisher=Last.fm}}</ref> After the tour, Peulen entered talks to rejoin Coal Chamber and Mathys went on tour with Hydrovibe. Bathory continued writing and recruited drummer Jeremy Spencer through a music magazine advertisement. The two began recording at Steve Bruno's Clown Records studio to the material Bathory composed. Bathory named the project Five Finger Death Punch, and soon recruited bassist Matt Snell from the disbanding Deadsett. He also had identified vocalist Ivan Moody, whose band Motograter was dissolving, as his choice for frontman, but at Snell's suggestion first they gave Deadsett vocalist Kyle Zemanek a tryout.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bravewords.com/news/dead-end-sky-featuring-ex-five-finger-death-punch-singer-kyle-zemanek-to-release-debut-album-single-always-now-streaming |title=Dead End Sky featuring ex-Five Finger Death Punch singer Kyle Zemanek |publisher=BraveWords}}</ref> After a brief stint, Zemanek departed. Moody then flew to Los Angeles, auditioned, and joined as the vocalist Bathory had originally envisioned for the project.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kerrang.com/zoltan-bathory-when-i-say-that-nothing-is-impossible-i-truly-believe-it |title=Zoltan Bathory: When I Say That Nothing Is Impossible |publisher=Kerrang! |date=March 30, 2020}}</ref> Lead guitarist Caleb Andrew Bingham joined the initial lineup but was later replaced by Darrell Roberts, formerly of W.A.S.P., who co-wrote one track with Bathory.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://metalstorm.net/bands/biography.php?band_id=4342 |title=Five Finger Death Punch Biography |publisher=Metal Storm}}</ref> Three songs were uploaded to Myspace, where they rose to #1 on the platform's charts. The band was signed by management company The Firm, and the self recorded self produced album, The Way of the Fist was released on July 31, 2007.
Five Finger Death Punch went on to become one of the most commercially successful hard rock bands of the 21st century, accumulating over 13 billion global streams.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://betternoise.com/artist/five-finger-death-punch/ |title=Five Finger Death Punch |publisher=Better Noise Music}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popfiltr.com/artist-profile/five-finger-death-punch |title=Five Finger Death Punch Artist Profile |publisher=PopFiltr}}</ref> The band has released nine studio albums, seven of which were certified Gold or Platinum by the RIAA, and has earned 29 top 10 singles and 17 number one hits on the Active Rock chart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deezer.com/en/artist/158710 |title=Five Finger Death Punch |publisher=Deezer}}</ref> The band set a record with 11 consecutive number one entries on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, the longest such streak in the chart's history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://betternoise.com/artist/five-finger-death-punch/ |title=Five Finger Death Punch |publisher=Better Noise Music}}</ref> Five Finger Death Punch held a top three position on Billboard's Hard Rock charts for over five years and became a global arena and stadium headliner, concluding a two-year stadium tour with Metallica in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.popfiltr.com/artist-profile/five-finger-death-punch |title=Five Finger Death Punch Artist Profile |publisher=PopFiltr}}</ref>
== Equipment == thumb|upright|Bathory performing in 2012
The B.C. Rich Warlock shape that Bathory had cut from a coffee table as a twelve-year-old in Hungary led to a long association with the brand. In 2009, B.C. Rich launched three Zoltan Bathory Artist Signature models based on the Assassin platform, featuring Rockfield Mafia humbuckers and handgun cylinder-shaped knobs.<ref>existing cite 51</ref> Bathory later partnered briefly with Dean Guitars before moving to DBZ/Diamond Guitars in 2014, where he had previously designed several models in their catalog including the Bird of Prey and Halcyon, and had used Diamond amplification for over a decade.<ref>existing cite 52</ref> He has since returned to B.C. Rich and currently plays the Shredzilla Z6. His current rig consists of a Kemper Profiling Amplifier for preamplification, EVH power amplification and speaker cabinets, Thønderson and DiMarzio pickups, Dunlop Heavy Core strings (.013–.070), and Dunlop Speed Picks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zoltanbathory.com |title=Music — Gear |publisher=Zoltan Bathory Official Primary Source Reference}}</ref>
His current rig consists of a Kemper Profiling Amplifier for preamplification, EVH power amplification and speaker cabinets, Thønderson and DiMarzio pickups, Dunlop Heavy Core strings (.013–.070), and Dunlop Speed Picks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bathory |first=Zoltan |title=Zoltan Bathory — Official Primary Source Reference |url=https://zoltanbathory.com/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=zoltanbathory.com |language=en}}</ref>
== Other work ==
=== Martial Arts === Bathory began training in judo at age nine in Hungary. Today he holds a 4th degree black belt in judo, awarded by the United States Judo Association in October 2025 and presented by 8th degree black belt and USA Olympian Joseph Marchal and World Champion and USA Olympian Mike Swain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bjjee.com/bjj-news/professional-grappling-federation-pgf-season-8-ends-with-a-bang/ |title=Judo Olympians Mike Swain and Joe Marchal Present 4th Degree Certification |publisher=BJJEE |date=September 15, 2025}}</ref> He trains under Marchal at the International Sports Center. In judo competition, Bathory won gold at the 2026 USA Judo Veterans in New York and gold at the 2025 President's Cup Judo Championship in Dallas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zoltanbathory.com |title=Martial Arts — Competition Record |publisher=zoltanbathory.com}}</ref>
Bathory also holds a 1st degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, awarded in March 2021 by Amilcar Cipili and Royler Gracie through the Gracie Humaitá lineage.<ref>existing cite</ref> He is a member of the Gracie Humaitá Las Vegas Competition Team. In June 2021, Bathory won double silver at the IBJJF American National Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the Black Belt Super Heavy Masters division and the Black Belt Absolute Masters division.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525063333/https://www.jiujitsutimes.com/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-earns-double-silver-at-american-nationals/ |title=Five Finger Death Punch's Zoltan Bathory Earns Double Silver At American Nationals |publisher=Jiu-Jitsu Times |date=June 30, 2021}}</ref> He has continued to compete at black belt level in IBJJF national and international events.
He is one of the few civilians certified by the US Army as an L1 Modern Army Combatives Instructor, completed his training at the United States Army Combatives School, Fort Eustis, Virginia.<ref>existing cite</ref> === The Professional Grappling Federation === In January 2024, Bathory partnered with Brandon McCaghren, Heather Grace Gracie, and Keelan Lawyer to launch the Professional Grappling Federation<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-01-29 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's ZOLTAN BATHORY Acquires Stake In PROFESSIONAL GRAPPLING FEDERATION |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-acquires-stake-in-professional-grappling-federation |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> (PGF), a team-based professional jiu-jitsu league. Bathory serves as Co-Owner and Chairman,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bathory |first=Zoltan |title=Zoltan Bathory — Official Primary Source Reference |url=https://zoltanbathory.com/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=zoltanbathory.com |language=en}}</ref> overseeing a franchise ownership model structured after established North American professional sports leagues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=Jiu-Jitsu Enters a New Era: Professional Grappling Federation Sells First Franchise Team in Groundbreaking 7-Figure Deal |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jiu-jitsu-enters-a-new-era-professional-grappling-federation-sells-first-franchise-team-in-groundbreaking-7-figure-deal-302477859.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>
On March 19, 2024, the PGF secured a broadcast deal with UFC Fight Pass.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-03-19 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH's ZOLTAN BATHORY Signs With UFC For PGF To Be Broadcast On UFC Fight Pass |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-signs-with-ufc-for-pgf-to-be-broadcast-on-ufc-fight-pass |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> In 2025, the league began selling franchise teams in seven-figure deals, becoming the first jiu-jitsu organization to operate under a professional sports franchise model.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=Jiu-Jitsu Enters a New Era: Professional Grappling Federation Sells First Franchise Team in Groundbreaking 7-Figure Deal |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jiu-jitsu-enters-a-new-era-professional-grappling-federation-sells-first-franchise-team-in-groundbreaking-7-figure-deal-302477859.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> Four franchise teams have been sold: the New Hope Kings,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=Jiu-Jitsu Enters a New Era: Professional Grappling Federation Sells First Franchise Team in Groundbreaking 7-Figure Deal |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jiu-jitsu-enters-a-new-era-professional-grappling-federation-sells-first-franchise-team-in-groundbreaking-7-figure-deal-302477859.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> Philadelphia Phenoms,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=The Professional Grappling Federation Accelerates as the Major League of Jiu Jitsu With Another Seven-Figure Franchise Sale |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-professional-grappling-federation-accelerates-as-the-major-league-of-jiu-jitsu-with-another-seven-figure-franchise-sale-302535027.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref> Alabama Twisters,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Watson |first=Nathan |date=2025-07-30 |title=Alabama's first pro grappling team joins Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) {{!}} Bham Now |url=https://bhamnow.com/2025/07/30/alabamas-first-pro-grappling-team-joins-professional-grappling-federation-pgf/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |language=en-US}}</ref> and Colorado Wolverines.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=Professional Grappling Federation Confirms Colorado Franchise Acquisition and Outlines Multi-Year Expansion Trajectory |url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/professional-grappling-federation-confirms-colorado-franchise-acquisition-and-outlines-multi-year-expansion-trajectory-302668237.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prweb.com |language=en}}</ref> The league's Board of Advisors includes UFC Hall of Famer Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Jean Jacques Machado, Carlos Machado, Pedro Sauer, and Eddie Bravo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Professional Grappling Federation — The fastest and most exciting jiu jitsu on earth. |url=https://www.pgf.world/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Professional Grappling Federation |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2025, PGF and UFC BJJ announced an agreement granting every PGF champion a guaranteed invitation to compete in UFC BJJ.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BJJ EE |first=BJJEE1 |date=2025-09-04 |title=Professional Grappling Federation: Every Champion Now Guaranteed A UFC BJJ Spot |url=https://www.bjjee.com/bjj-news/professional-grappling-federation-every-champion-now-guaranteed-a-ufc-bjj-spot/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Bjj Eastern Europe |language=en-US}}</ref> In January 2026, the league announced the expansion to a 16-team national structure.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federation |first=Professional Grappling |title=The Professional Grappling Federation Accelerates as the Major League of Jiu Jitsu With Another Seven-Figure Franchise Sale |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-professional-grappling-federation-accelerates-as-the-major-league-of-jiu-jitsu-with-another-seven-figure-franchise-sale-302535027.html |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== Philanthropy === Five Finger Death Punch have played many military benefit concerts, visited bases around the world and spearheaded a fundraising campaign for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ouellette |first=Mary |date=September 29, 2014 |title=Five Finger Death Punch + Volbeat Prove Rock Is Alive and Well at Massachusetts Gig |url=http://loudwire.com/five-finger-death-punch-volbeat-massachusetts-gig/?trackback=fbshare_top |access-date=October 13, 2014 |publisher=Loudwire}}</ref>
In 2014, the band launched a campaign that raised over $225,000. The band used their recent music video for their latest single "Wrong Side of Heaven" to focus on the theme and launched website 5fdp4Vets.com. They also started selling a custom jersey which was designed by Bathory, on Indiegogo. The funds raised went to organizations that raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder.<ref name="Troops">{{cite news |last=Rosen |first=Craig |date=October 9, 2014 |title=Five Finger Death Punch: Rockin' for the Troops |url=https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/five-finger-death-punch--rockin--for-the-troops-204815747.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021051525/https://music.yahoo.com/blogs/music-news/five-finger-death-punch--rockin--for-the-troops-204815747.html |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |publisher=Yahoo Music}}</ref>
Bathory was elected as the chairman of development of the non-profit organization The Home Deployment Project in Las Vegas, helping veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic homelessness.<ref name="Troops" />
In 2017, it was announced that Bathory had joined VETPAW (Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife),<ref>{{Cite web |title=VETPAW BOARD |url=http://vetpaw.org/vetpaw-team/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304223038/http://vetpaw.org/vetpaw-team/ |archive-date=March 4, 2018 |website=vetpaw.org}}</ref> an anti-poaching organization consisting of US combat veterans. VETPAW focuses on fighting against illegal rhino killings on the continent. To achieve this, VETPAW launched Operation Rhino Shield in South Africa where they deployed a team of Army, Marine and Navy veterans on private reserves that are under direct threat from rhino poachers.
Bathory is a long-time supporter of law enforcement<ref>{{Cite web |last=Munro |first=Scott |date=September 14, 2018 |title=Five Finger Death Punch premiere hard-hitting video for When The Seasons Change |url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/five-finger-death-punch-premiere-hard-hitting-video-for-when-the-seasons-change |website=Louder}}</ref> and first responders.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2016 |title=Five Finger Death Punch Guitarist Zoltan Bathory Helps Las Vegas Police |url=https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/news/five-finger-death-punch-guitarist-zoltan-bathory-helps-las-vegas-police-Xlv8qBKxn0CXCcEHvOumng/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109112253/https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/news/five-finger-death-punch-guitarist-zoltan-bathory-helps-las-vegas-police-Xlv8qBKxn0CXCcEHvOumng/ |archive-date=November 9, 2018 |website=defensemaven.io}}</ref> In 2017, Five Finger Death Punch donated $58,000 to The Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2017 |title=BOHMF Receives Donation From Five Finger Death Punch | Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation News |url=http://www.bohmf.org/news/bohmf-receives-donation-five-finger-death-punch/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625063712/http://www.bohmf.org/news/bohmf-receives-donation-five-finger-death-punch/ |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |website=bohmf.org}}</ref> an organization recognized by the Department of Justice, that's available to assist the departments and families of fallen police officers by identifying all the federal and state benefits that are available for them.
In 2018, Bathory spearheaded another campaign wherein his band Five Finger Death Punch donated<ref>{{cite news |date=September 14, 2018 |title=Five Finger Death Punch Donates $95,000 to C.O.P.S. |url=https://www.policeone.com/Officer-Safety/articles/480427006-Metal-band-donates-95K-to-support-families-of-fallen-LEOs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405215849/https://www.policeone.com/Officer-Safety/articles/480427006-Metal-band-donates-95K-to-support-families-of-fallen-LEOs/ |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |publisher=policeone.com}}</ref> a portion of their ticket sales ($95,000) to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization that supports families of officers killed in the line of duty by offering scholarships, counseling services and peer support.
In 2019, Five Finger Death Punch teamed up with Brantley Gilbert, Brian May of Queen and Kenny Wayne Shepherd to re-record a new version of Shepherd's song "Blue on Black". All proceeds from the recording is donated to First Responders via The Gary Sinise Foundation.
In January 2026, Bathory announced a contribution to USA Judo , the National Governing Body for Judo in the United States, to support elite athletes preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-14 |title=Five Finger Death Punch's Zoltan Bathory Donates Portion Of 2026 Tour To Support Olympic Judo Athletes |url=https://www.bjjee.com/bjj-news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-donates-portion-of-2026-tour-to-support-olympic-judo-athletes/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Bjj Eastern Europe |language=en-US}}</ref> As part of Five Finger Death Punch's 2026 US tour, a portion of ticket sales will benefit judo and BMX athletes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-13 |title=Judoka and Award-Winning Musician Zoltan Bathory Gives Back to USA Judo |url=https://www.usajudo.com/news/2026/january/13/judoka-and-award-winning-musician-zoltan-bathory-gives-back-to-usa-judo |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.usajudo.com |language=en}}</ref> Bathory, who began training in judo at age nine in Hungary, cited the lack of government funding for US Olympic athletes as motivation for the initiative<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=John |date=2026-03-04 |title=Musician Zoltan Bathory Opens Up On Supporting USA Judo Olympians |url=https://bjjdoc.com/2026/03/04/musician-zoltan-bathory-opens-up-on-supporting-usa-judo-olympians/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=BJJDOC |language=en-US}}</ref> USA Judo CEO Corinne Shigemoto stated: "We cannot thank Mr. Bathory enough for his generous support of our athlete programs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-13 |title=Judoka and Award-Winning Musician Zoltan Bathory Gives Back to USA Judo |url=https://www.usajudo.com/news/2026/january/13/judoka-and-award-winning-musician-zoltan-bathory-gives-back-to-usa-judo |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.usajudo.com |language=en}}</ref>
=== Call Of Duty Character === In July 2023, Bathory appeared in ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II'' (2022) as a likeness model for a playable character, Oz, in the multiplayer modes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trapp |first=Philip |date=2023-07-27 |title=Five Finger Death Punch Guitarist Zoltan Bathory Is a Playable Character in New 'Call of Duty' Season |url=https://loudwire.com/five-finger-death-punch-call-duty-season-5-zoltan-bathory/ |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=Loudwire}}</ref> created through full body scans and motion capture of Bathory's likeness.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-09 |title=Zoltan Bathory Discusses His New 'Call of Duty' Character |url=https://loudwire.com/five-finger-death-punch-zoltan-bathory-call-of-duty-metallica-country-interview/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>
In October 2024, Bathory directed a $100,000 donation from Five Finger Death Punch's tour proceeds to the Call of Duty Endowment, a nonprofit that helps veterans find careers, citing his connection to the franchise through the Oz character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2024-10-24 |title=FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH Donates $200,000 To Charities Championed By IVAN MOODY And ZOLTAN BATHORY |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/five-finger-death-punch-donates-200000-to-charities-championed-by-ivan-moody-and-zoltan-bathory |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref>
=== Film === In 2022, Bathory appeared in the action horror film ''The Retaliators'' as Fang, the Sergeant at Arms in a biker gang.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powster |title=The Retaliators {{!}} Official Website {{!}} #theretaliiators |url=https://www.retaliatorsmovie.com/cast-and-crew/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=The Retaliators {{!}} Official Website {{!}} #theretaliiators |language=en}}</ref> The film starred Michael Lombardi, Marc Menchaca, and Joseph Gatt, and also featured Bathory's FFDP bandmates Ivan Moody, Chris Kael, and Andy James.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powster |title=The Retaliators {{!}} Official Website {{!}} #theretaliiators |url=https://www.retaliatorsmovie.com/cast-and-crew/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=The Retaliators {{!}} Official Website {{!}} #theretaliiators |language=en}}</ref> It premiered at London FrightFest in August 2021 and was released theatrically in the United States on September 14, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ravindran |first=Manori |date=2022-06-28 |title=‘Retaliators’ Horror, Featuring Mötley Crue and Papa Roach, Sets Worldwide Release (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/global/tommy-lee-papa-roach-the-retaliators-north-america-1235305194/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>
Bathory also appeared in the documentary ''Long Live Rock... Celebrate the Chaos'' (2021), alongside Lars Ulrich, Rob Zombie, Tom Morello, Corey Taylor, and Jerry Cantrell.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6102704/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.imdb.com|title=IMDB Database}}</ref>
Co-Written by Bathory, Five Finger Death Punch songs have been featured in several video game soundtracks, including ''Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock'' ("Hard to See," 2010), ''Time Crisis: Razing Storm'' ("Ashes," "The Bleeding," 2010), ''Splatterhouse'' ("Dying Breed," 2010), ''Madden NFL 12'' ("Back for More," 2011), and ''Lollipop Chainsaw'' ("The Way of the Fist," 2012).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6102704/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=www.imdb.com|title=IMDB Database}}</ref>
=== Inventor === Bathory is the sole inventor on three granted United States patents related to live event production and distribution technology {{cite patent |country=US |number=11070849 |title=Event Production and Distribution Networks, Systems, Apparatuses, and Methods Related Thereto |pubdate=2021-07-20}}{{cite patent |country=US |number=11812070 |title=Event Production and Distribution Networks, Systems, Apparatuses, and Methods Related Thereto |pubdate=2023-11-07}}{{cite patent |country=US |number=11985360 |title=Immersive Event Production and Distribution |pubdate=2024-05-14}} The patents describe systems for streaming live performances to remote audiences while providing real-time audience feedback to performers. The technology has also been granted patents by the European Patent Office (EP 4000249 B1) and in Spain (ES 2950239 T3).<ref>{{Cite patent|number=US11985360B2|title=Immersive event production and distribution|gdate=2024-05-14|invent1=Bathory|inventor1-first=Zoltan|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US11985360B2/en}}</ref>
=== Writing === Bathory was a contributing writer for the nationally distributed ''Skillset'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Crew |url=https://www.skillsetmag.com/our-crew/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831104236/https://www.skillsetmag.com/our-crew/ |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |website=Skillset Magazine}}</ref>
In March 2026, Bathory was announced as a columnist<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-13 |title=Újra nyomtatott formában a HammerWorld – Itt vannak a részletek! |url=https://ricsandgreen.hu/ujra-nyomtatott-formaban-a-hammerworld-itt-vannak-a-reszletek/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Rics & Green |language=hu}}</ref> for the relaunched Hungarian metal magazine HammerWorld, contributing a dedicated column to the publication's 40th anniversary return to print<ref>{{Cite web |last=HammerWorld |last2=hello@plus36creatives.hu |first2=Plus36 Creatives |date=2026-03-19 |title=Megérkezett az új Hammerworld magazin - Gyakori kérdések és válaszok |url=https://hammerworld.hu/megerkezett-az-uj-hammerworld-magazin-gyakori-kerdesek-es-valaszok/ |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=HAMMERWORLD |language=hu}}</ref>
=== Speaker === In June 2025, Bathory was a featured speaker at the SEG3 Conference in London, a conference dedicated to marketing and technology innovation in media, entertainment, gaming, and sports. Bathory spoke alongside executives from Google, Netflix, Amazon, BMW, Formula 1, Disney, and the Olympics on topics including the crossover between music and combat sports, and marketing to younger audiences<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-28 |title=Zoltan featured speaker @ 2025 #SEG3 Conference London |url=https://fivefingerdeathpunch.com/blogs/news/zoltan-featured-speaker-2025-seg3-conference-london |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=Five Finger Death Punch |language=en}}</ref>.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Speakers |url=https://www.seg3.com/seg3-london-speakers |access-date=2026-04-26 |website=SEG3 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Monstertruck Driver === In May 2014, Bathory joined Monster Jam Free Style World Champion Jimmy Creten's Monster Truck Racing Team 2Xtreme Racing as their driver<ref>{{cite web |date=December 12, 2014 |title=Four Wheeler Magazine |url=http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1502-rpm-automotive-news-february-2015/#__federated=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213171349/http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1502-rpm-automotive-news-february-2015/#__federated=1 |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |access-date=December 13, 2014 |work=Four Wheeler}}</ref> behind the wheel of the new ''Knucklehead'' truck.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zoltan Bathory Debuts Monster Truck |url=http://www.heavydaily.com/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-introduces-knucklehead-truck |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007065028/http://www.heavydaily.com/news/five-finger-death-punchs-zoltan-bathory-introduces-knucklehead-truck |archive-date=October 7, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014}}</ref> Bathory's professional debut took place in California at the WGAS Motorsport Flip Fest Monster Truck and Motocross Show. Bathory raced at Florida's EastBay Race Way, Kansas City Speedway, Newfoundland Raceway in Canada, and appeared at the 2015 Monster Jam Finals in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 30, 2015 |title=Monster Jam Finals 2015 |url=http://kfmx.com/what-does-monster-jam-have-in-common-with-ffdp}}L</ref>
== Jiu-Jitsu Championship records == Source:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Black belt 1st degree verification progress |url=https://www.beltchecker.com/profile.php?id=21361 |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=beltchecker.com}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+ !Event !Location !Division !Result !Date |- |2026 USA Judo Veterans |New York |Black Belt 100Kg Masters |Gold |Jan 31, 2026 |- |- |President's Cup Judo Championship |Dallas |Black Belt 100Kg+ Masters |Gold |Nov 23, 2025 |- |- |IBJJF American Nationals Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Las Vegas |Black Belt Heavy Masters |Bronze |June 26, 2025 |- |- |IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Denver |Black Belt Heavy Masters |Silver |May 6, 2023 |- |- |IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Los Angeles |Black Belt Super Heavy Masters |Bronze |Mar 11, 2023 |- |- |IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Los Angeles |Black Belt Super Heavy Masters |Gold |Mar 19, 2022 |- |IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Los Angeles |Black Belt Absolute Masters |Gold |Mar 19, 2022 |- |IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Dallas |Black Belt Ultra Heavy Masters |Bronze |Mar 5, 2022 |- |IBJJF International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship |New Orleans |Black Belt Ultra Heavy Masters |Silver |Feb 19, 2022 |- |IBJJF American Nationals Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Las Vegas |Black Belt Super Heavy Masters |Silver |Jun 25, 2021 |- |IBJJF American Nationals Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Las Vegas |Black Belt Absolute Masters |Silver |Jun 25, 2021 |- |IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu World Championship |Long Beach |Blue Belt Medium Heavy |Bronze |Aug 7, 2012 |- |Grapplers Quest |Las Vegas |Blue Belt Medium Heavy |Bronze |Jul 11, 2011 |- |Abu Dhabi Pro Trials Jiu-Jitsu Championship |Las Vegas |Blue Belt Medium Heavy |Silver |Jan 29, 2010 |}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == *{{commons category-inline}} *[http://fivefingerdeathpunch.com/ Five Finger Death Punch official website]
{{Five Finger Death Punch}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bathory, Zoltan}} Category:Living people Category:Hungarian rock guitarists Category:American male guitarists Category:American heavy metal guitarists Category:Hungarian emigrants to the United States Category:Five Finger Death Punch members Category:1978 births Category:Hungarian male musicians