In late April 2026, a quiet but significant milestone was reached at the edge of the Arctic. From April 24 to 26, Greenland staged its first-ever national chess championship – a groundbreaking event that brought together players from across the country in a unified competition.
The tournament was played over seven rounds on Lichess and featured 10 participants. In a country where vast distances and challenging geography often make travel difficult, the online format proved to be the perfect solution, allowing players from multiple cities and settlements to compete together in an official national championship for the very first time.
After three days of intense play, Egon Mattaaq (6/7) of Upernavik Chess Club emerged as the inaugural national champion. Silver went to Hans Christian Dahl (5/7), while Carl Fleischer (4/7) claimed the bronze medal.
Self-taught 24-year-old champion works night shifts as a fish packer. Mattaaq’s victory carries special significance. He represents Upernavik, a small town located on an island of the same name in northwestern Greenland. With a population of just 1,067 people as of 2025, Upernavik is a powerful reminder that chess talent can emerge from even the most remote communities.
The championship marks an important step forward for the development of chess in Greenland. The national federation, Kalaallit Nunaanni Skakkertut Kattuffiat, was founded in 2014 with the mission of promoting and developing the game across the island. A major milestone followed on September 24, 2024, when the federation was unanimously admitted as a full associated member of FIDE during its 100th anniversary congress in Budapest.
While Greenland has traditionally had a small chess culture, recent years have seen growing efforts to expand the game. A key contributor to this development has been Hrókurinn, whose members have been traveling to Greenland since 2003, organizing events in towns and villages and helping to inspire new generations of players.
The success of the 2026 championship demonstrates that, despite geographical challenges, a vibrant chess community is taking shape. By connecting players across the country and providing a national platform for competition, the event represents not just a tournament, but the beginning of a new chapter for chess in Greenland.