Inspiring refugee girls through chess in Kakuma
The Girls Club “Chess for Protection” was launched by FIDE and UNHCR in 2021 as part of the Chess for Refugees program in the northwestern region of Kenya. Kenya is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in Africa and the world, with over 500,000 refugees. Over 40% of these refugees reside in the Kakuma refugee camp, and the majority of the population in Kakuma are children and youth. The goal of this initiative? To help young refugee girls learn the game of chess, acquire important life skills, improve their mental well-being, and give them the belief that great things are possible in life; all in a safe environment. The first classes at the start of the project were held at Angelina Jolie Primary School in Kakuma, with 40 students in attendance. Three years in, the project now operates in three girls’ boarding schools in the region: Angelina Jolie Primary School, Morneau Shepell Secondary School, and Bhar-El-Naam Primary School. Over 250 refugee girls attend chess classes each year. Photo: Stev Bonhage “This project is very special to me personally. I truly believe in the FIDE motto, “Gens una sumus,” and the motto of Judit Polgar’s Global Chess Festival, “Chess Connects Us.” I have experienced it many times in my life, and I have seen how chess and the chess community can transform people’s lives. It can uplift in seemingly hopeless situations, open minds, and give confidence. I know this project will help us witness it once again in Kakuma,” shared Anastasia Sorokina, leader of this project and Chairperson of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. Empowerment through education and leadership The chess training combines online lessons with experienced coaches, training with a local tutor, and workshops featuring inspiring guests as well as the Girls Book Club. The online trainers, WGM Anastasiya Karlovich (UKR) and IM Salome Melia (GEO), are both exceptional educators and accomplished chess players. The Girls Chess Club aims to give the girls in Kakuma Camp new life skills and confidence, and these coaches are excellent leaders in achieving that goal. Anastasiya Karlovich is a Woman Grandmaster who has also served as a Press Officer at multiple major events and was awarded FIDE’s “Best Chess Photographer of the Century.” Salome Melia, an International Master and Woman Grandmaster, is a top female player who has won medals at the European Championships and World Team Championship title with the Georgian team in 2015. Both coaches bring their chess expertise and personal experiences to inspire the girls to dream big and pursue their dreams bravely. Photo: Stev Bonhage Book Club The “Girls Book Club”, a part of a chess project for girls from the Kakuma refugee camp, is an opportunity to fall in love with books, find inspiration in them and, let’s be honest, gain an escape tool; an escape from the completely non-fairy-tale reality in which children live in Kenya. The club is run by Natalia Ryzhenko and Anastasiia Karlovich, who presents books, read, and invites the girls to conversation. During the discussion, students watch short videos and cartoons to understand the material better since the lessons are online. Workshops with inspiring personalities The most recent special guest was author and chess enthusiast Kyla Zhao. Her book, May the Best Player Win, is, in her own words, “a story about not letting other people’s opinions nor your own doubts hold you back.” Kyla gave a thought-provoking presentation about her journey, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and hard work. She echoed the words of Judit Polgar, the greatest female chess player of all time, to highlight that gender is never a barrier to success. We are really grateful to Kyla Zhao for her time and for leading by example. Chess lessons During the months of chess training, the girls learn the basic rules and continue to practice even after the online course ends. Refugee students also participate in competitions, including school tournaments in Kakuma. Modern technology is integrated into the training to make lessons engaging and impactful. Girls play chess with their peers and tutors, solve puzzles, compete against chess robots, watch educational materials from “ChessKid,” and have discussions about the chess world and the lives of chess players. Physical workouts are also part of the program to keep the lessons dynamic and fun. The curriculum, designed by Anastasiya Karlovich and Martina Skogvall, was specifically tailored to teach chess in refugee camps. Visit to Kakuma Camp and refugee teams To support and develop the project further, FIDE representatives, including FIDE Managing Director Dana Reizniece-Ozola and Project Leader and WOM Chairperson Anastasia Sorokina, visited Kakuma Camp to meet with the girls and other refugees. Photo: Stev Bonhage One of the important initiatives of FIDE and UNHCR is the inclusion of refugee teams in the Chess Olympiad. The teams for both open and women sections have been carefully selected and had months of training and preparation to participate in the biggest chess event in the world. Two girls from our Girls Chess Club have also managed to win spots in the women’s team, proving how powerful the project is. To prepare for this historic participation, the teams had training sessions with experienced Latvian coach FM Sergejs Klimakovs, first online and then in Kakuma, in August. Although technical challenges prevented participation this year, significant progress has been made, and we hope to see refugee teams competing in the next Olympiad. We cannot wait to see what they will achieve. Photo: Stev Bonhage Girls Club “Chess for protection” will continue to uplift girls in Kakuma The project is set to continue in 2025. Chess lessons and workshops will remain a focus, and girls will also have the opportunity to participate in the Queens’ Festival, competing in the Princess section – our global online festival for female chess players. Next year could be historic for the project, as we aim to reach over 1,000 students since the initiative began.
FIDE and Google create the Efficient Chess AI Challenge, hosted on Kaggle
The International Chess Federation and the world’s top tech company challenge enthusiasts to make chess-playing programs which work well without requiring powerful computers to run them. Chess has long been a grand challenge for artificial intelligence, a proving ground for pushing the boundaries of algorithms and computational power. While advancements like AlphaZero and Stockfish engines have achieved superhuman performance, they often rely on vast resources inaccessible to most developers. The project, being part of Google’s sponsorship activities for the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024, emphasizes ingenuity and efficiency over computing force. Participants are tasked with making smart chess programs that use limited computer power and memory, instead of relying on brute computing strength and huge amounts of data. The prize fund of the competition of $50,000 has been generously donated by Kaggle. The initiative is inspired by a 1950 concept put forward by Claude Shannon, a mathematician who is widely recognized as the father of information theory: “Thinking rigorously about the construction of a chess-playing computer might act as a wedge in attacking other problems of a similar nature and of greater significance.” The exploration of novel, optimized techniques can address a growing complexity and scale of problems, like advancements in modeling and inference techniques and improvements upon traditional heuristic-based algorithms, beyond the field of chess. The competition and evaluation are open to coders across the world. From the moment a participant or team joins, they are able to submit up to five agents (bots) to the competition each day. Each submission will play episodes (games) against other bots on the leaderboard that have a similar skill rating. Over time, skill ratings will go up with wins, down with losses, or even out with ties. Every bot submitted will continue to play episodes until the end of the competition, with newer bots selected to play more frequently. Once a team has reached two active submissions, older entries will be deactivated. The project is hosted on Google’s platform Kaggle – a place for data science and machine learning where users can compete in challenges, and learn through collaborative coding and tutorials. Individuals or teams participating must submit their programs by February 11, 2025, the latest. More information about the event and registration can be found here: FIDE & Google Efficient Chess AI Challenge | Kaggle More activities involving Google and its products planned to enhance the Championship experience for chess fans globally will be announced shortly!
Aleksandar Indjic wins 2024 European Championship
The 2024 European Individual Chess Championship concluded in Petrovac, Montenegro, with GM Aleksandar Indjic (SRB, 2623) crowned the tournament’s sole winner. Seeded 33rd, Indjic scored an impressive 9/11 points, remaining unbeaten throughout the event. GM Daniel Dardha (BEL, 2606) claimed the silver medal with 8.5/11 points, while GM Frederik Svane (GER, 2654) secured bronze. Heading into the final round with 8.5/10 points, a half-point lead over his closest rival Daniel Dardha, Indjic achieved a draw with black in their direct encounter to clinch the title. As many as 11 GMs tied for third place scoring 8 points each: Bogdan-Daniel Deac (ROU, 2687), GM Frederik Svane (GER, 2654), Daniil Yuffa (ESP, 2631), Ivan Cheparinov (BUL, 2632), Velimir Ivic (SRB, 2622), Robert Hovhannisyan (ARM, 2613), Mateusz Bartel (POL, 2613), Maksim Chiagev (ESP, 2605) Constantin Lupulescu (ROU, 2591), Kacper Piorun (POL, 2580), and Alexander Motylev (ROU, 2577). Frederik Svane (GER, 2654), who had the best Buchholz tiebreaker, took bronze. Final standings: 1 Indjic, Aleksandar SRB 2623 9 2 Dardha, Daniel BEL 2606 8½ 3 Svane, Frederik GER 2654 8 4 Deac, Bogdan-Daniel ROU 2687 8 5 Cheparinov, Ivan BUL 2632 8 6 Chigaev, Maksim ESP 2605 8 7 Yuffa, Daniil ESP 2631 8 8 Hovhannisyan, Robert ARM 2613 8 9 Motylev, Alexander ROU 2577 8 10 Piorun, Kacper POL 2580 8 Complete final standings and results IM Teodora Injac (SRB, 2429) emerged as the best-ranked female player with 6.5 points, edging out WFM Dana Kochavi (ISR, 2166) on Buchholz tiebreaks. WIM Sofia Pogorelskikh (SRB, 2252) finished third with 6 points. GM Ihor Samunenkov (UKR, 2523) was the top-ranked junior, finishing with 7 points, narrowly ahead of FM Erik Gasparyan (ARM, 2371) on tiebreaks. GM Yahli Sokolovsky (ISR, 2516) rounded out the top three with 6.5 points. GM Valeriy Neverov (UKR, 2401) claimed the title of best senior participant, scoring 7 points. Fellow Ukrainian GM Vasyl Ivanchuk (2640) also finished on 7 points but placed second due to inferior tiebreaks. GM Michele Godena (ITA, 2419) completed the senior podium with 6 points. The closing ceremony took place at 20:30 CET in the playing venue with the attendance of ECU Vice President Alojzije Jankovic, ECU Honorary Vice President Veselin Draskovic, President of the Montenegro Chess Federation Jovan Milovic, Minister of Transport of Montenegro Maja Vukicevic, legendary Montenegrin GM Bozidar Ivanovic and other distinguished guests. Photos: Stefana Milutinovic Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/
World Chess and FIDE open up Elite Chess Sponsorship to small businesses
In a move to make chess more accessible to businesses of all sizes, World Chess and the International Chess Federation (FIDE) have launched a sponsorship opportunity within the Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series. Traditionally reserved for larger brands, this new initiative invites small businesses to put their brand front and center in a global chess event at an affordable rate. About Swiss Queens Wednesdays The Women’s Wednesday Online Tournament Series, also known as Swiss Queens Wednesdays, is a weekly event that highlights the talents of elite female chess players from around the world. This series not only provides a platform for top female competitors but also promotes gender diversity and excellence in the game, attracting a highly engaged, international audience. For a sponsorship fee of $2,000, small businesses can become the exclusive sponsor of a Wednesday event, gaining high-impact brand exposure in front of a strategically minded and loyal community. It’s a unique way for smaller brands to join the global chess conversation and connect with a passionate, strategy-focused audience that shares an appreciation for thoughtfulness and precision. Key Sponsorship Benefits • Exclusive Brand Visibility: As the only sponsor for the tournament, your brand’s logo will be prominently displayed on event covers, certificates, and the live broadcast. This prime placement ensures that your brand stands out, with no other competing sponsors. • Extensive Reach: With over 2.5 million followers across World Chess and FIDE platforms and an estimated marketing impact of 11 million contacts, this sponsorship provides meaningful visibility in a unique and dedicated global space. • Support for Diversity in Chess: By partnering with Swiss Queens Wednesdays, your business joins an initiative that champions gender diversity, aligning your brand with a progressive mission that resonates with today’s audiences. A New Moment of Sponsorship in Chess This initiative marks a fresh approach to sponsorship in the world of elite chess, inviting small businesses to experience the impact of connecting with the chess community in a new, accessible way. If you’re a small business interested in exploring the power of chess in your marketing mix, learn more about Swiss Queens Wednesdays and secure your sponsorship here:worldchess.com/store/p/swiss-queens-wednsdays-sponsorship. World Chess and FIDE are proud to open up this exclusive opportunity and look forward to welcoming small businesses into the chess community.
2024 4th FIDE Council Meeting: List of Decisions
FIDE publishes the decisions of the 4th FIDE Council meeting 2024, held online on November 10. 2024 4th FIDE Council meeting decisions (PDF)
2024 4th FIDE Council meeting: List of decisions
4th FIDE Council meeting November 10, 2024 Online List of decisions CM4-2024/01 To note President’s report. CM4-2024/02 To approve Treasurer’s report. CM4-2024/03 To approve FIDE Budget 2025-2026 and to send it to National Federations with a Treasurer’s cover letter. CM4-2024/04 To note the received payment from the Iranian Chess Federation and their updated guaranteed letter. To confirm the proposed debt repayment schedule. To decide that if the overdue debt according to the approved schedule and new FIDE invoices is 20 thousand euros or more and the delay period is 30 days or more, it will entail the automatic suspension of membership of the Iranian Chess Federation. CM4-2024/05 To note the updated guaranteed letter from the Mexican Chess Federation. To confirm the proposed debt repayment schedule. To decide that if any of the payments according to the approved schedule are delayed by more than 30 days, it will entail the automatic suspension of membership of the Mexican Chess Federation. CM4-2024/06 To note FIDE Calendar 2024/2025. CM4-2024/07 To note the Global Strategy Commission’s report. CM4-2024/08 To approve the Global Strategy Commission’s proposal regarding the last qualification spot to the Women Candidates 2026. CM4-2024/09 To note the Arbiters’ Commission’s report. CM4-2024/10 To approve the recommendations of the Arbiters’ Commission on Seminars, Classification upgrades, Amendments to the lecturer list, FA norms and titles. CM4-2024/11 To approve the recommendations of the Qualification Commission on titles. CM4-2024/12 To approve the Qualification Commission’s proposal regarding the update of the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Rating Regulations. Table of changes CM4-2024/13 To approve the recommendations of the Trainers’ Commission on titles and Academies. CM4-2024/14 To approve the recommendations of the Events Commission on titles. CM4-2024/15 To approve the recommendations of the Chess in Education Commission on titles. CM4-2024/16 To note the Commission’s for Women’s Chess report. CM4-2024/17 To note the Chess in Multi Sports Games Committee’s report. CM4-2024/18 To note the Rules Commission’s report. CM4-2024/19 To approve the Fair Play Commission’s proposals regarding FIDE FPL Appointment Regulations, FIDE FPL Financial Regulations (Table of Changes), Fair Play Protection Measures (Table of Changes), Fair Play Regulations (Table of Changes) and Chief Arbiter-Chief Fair Play Officer division of tasks. CM4-2024/20 To note the Planning and Development Commission’s report. CM4-2024/21 To note Continental Presidents’ reports. CM4-2024/22 To extend the authority of Mr. N Short as a reverse delegate for the Burkina Faso Chess Federation until the next FIDE General Assembly.
World Senior Championship 2024 starts in Porto Santo, Portugal
World Senior Championship 2024 kicked off on Sunday, November 17, on the premises of the Hotel Vila Baleira, in Porto Santo, Portugal. Around two hundred players are competing for the titles in the Open +50, Open +65, Women +50, and Women +65 sections, sharing a prize fund of €42,500. In the women’s competition, the organizers, FIDE, and the Portuguese Chess Federation (FPX) decided to merge the two categories into a single event, featuring 33 female players. Leading the women’s event is the legendary Nona Gaprindashvili, Women’s World Champion from 1962 to 1978, and the first female player to receive the GM title. Kiril Georgiev (BUL, 2553) and Zurab Sturua (GEO, 2502) top the starting lists for the Open +50 and Open +65, respectively. All three tournaments are 11-round Swiss events with classical time control. FPX is streaming 40 games, which can be followed on Lichess, and is providing live footage from the tournament room via YouTube and Twitch. The opening round brought some surprising results. In the women’s tournament, Nona Gaprindashvili was held to a draw by German FIDE Master Olga Birkholz (1875), who was undaunted by the Georgian legend’s formidable record and secured half a point. In the 50+ category, featuring 15 GMs, there were also a few unexpected outcomes. Second seed GM Gregory Kaidanov (USA, 2534) drew with Portuguese FM Fernando Ribeiro (2125) from Casa do Povo de Mangualde, while Germany’s Klaus Bischoff (2445) was unable to overcome the resistance of Scotland’s Alan Minnican (2071). In the +65 section, second seed German GM Rainer Knaak (2458) split the point with Argentinian FM Marcelo Ibar (2044). However, the highlight of the day was Israeli Abir Har-Even’s victory over IM Vladislav Nasybullin (2374) of Kazakhstan on the sixth board. Photos: Federação Portuguesa de Xadrez Official website: worldsenior.fpx.pt/
World Cadet Championship 2024 begins in Montesilvano, Italy
The prestigious World Cadet Chess Championship 2024 sponsored by WR Logistics officially commenced in Montesilvano, Italy, at the Congress Center Pala Dean Martin, Via Aldo Moro. This spacious venue comfortably accommodates all 716 players from 82 countries in a single hall, providing an ideal setting for this global chess event. The venue is surrounded by all the official hotels, ensuring that players, competing in U8, U10 and U12 age groups (open and girls categories), are never more than a five-minute walk from the playing hall. This convenient arrangement benefits not only the participants but also the accompanying persons, creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. For the first time in the history of the championship, all boards are live, with games broadcast via DGT Chess Boards. Additionally, the organizers have arranged a live-streaming on the official YouTube channel, allowing viewers worldwide to follow the action in real time. To enhance the experience, the organizers have set up a dedicated parents’ zone, along with spaces for game analysis and chess-related items such as books and accessories, making the event more engaging for players and their families. The event is supported by a team of 31 arbiters and 3 fair play arbiters, working tirelessly to ensure a smooth and fair competition Before the opening ceremony, a technical meeting was held, attended by delegations from over 80 countries. The Chief Arbiter and officials outlined the rules and regulations, setting the stage for a well-organized tournament. The opening ceremony featured notable dignitaries, including Luigi Maggi, President of the Italian Chess Federation; Özgür Solakoğlu, FIDE Delegate; Ottavio De Martinis, Mayor of Montesilvano; and GM Roberto Mogranzini, General Director of the tournament. In a symbolic gesture, ambassadors from three countries made the ceremonial first moves, highlighting the global unity of chess. As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on these young prodigies shaping the future of chess. Stay tuned for updates and thrilling games from this grand event! Photos: Patricia Claros Aguilar and Niklesh Jain | ChessBase India Official website: worldcadetschess2024.com/
European Championship 2024 reaches midpoint
The 2024 European Individual Championship in Petrovac, Montenegro, has reached its midpoint. After six rounds of intense chess battles, players are enjoying a well-deserved rest day on November 14. Heading into Round 6, four players were tied for the lead with 4.5/5 and clashed on the top boards. Frederik Svane (GER) and Ivan Cheparinov (BUL) drew their game, while Aleksandar Indjic (SRB) outplayed Maxim Chigaev (ESP) in an endgame to claim the sole lead with 5.5/6. Six players, including top seed Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO), secured victories in Round 6, joining Svane and Cheparinov in a group trailing Indjic by just half a point, all standing at 5/6. The competition resumes on November 15, with Round 7 beginning at 3 PM local time. The leader, Indjic, will face a formidable challenge as he takes on top seed Fedoseev with the black pieces. Top 10 after Round 6 1 GM Indjic, Aleksandar SRB 2623 5½ 2 GM Hovhannisyan, Robert ARM 2613 5 3 GM Cheparinov, Ivan BUL 2632 5 4 GM Svane, Frederik GER 2654 5 5 GM Dardha, Daniel BEL 2606 5 6 GM Donchenko, Alexander GER 2617 5 7 GM Fedoseev, Vladimir SLO 2712 5 8 GM Motylev, Alexander ROU 2577 5 9 GM Petrosyan, Manuel ARM 2612 5 10 GM Deac, Bogdan-Daniel ROU 2687 4½ Results, rankings, pairings Photos: Mark Livshits and Stefana Milutinovic Official website: eicc2024.sahcg.me/
Al Ain Chess and Mind Games present Echess Championship
Sydney, Australia – Marking its 25th anniversary, the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club proudly announces The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, powered by Checkmate Live. This landmark tournament invites online chess enthusiasts and competitors worldwide to participate. Open to players of all levels, both rated and unrated, the championship includes regional qualifiers across multiple skill levels. The competition will reach its pinnacle in the prestigious Grand Final held in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, on December 22, 2024. About the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club Founded in 1999 and led by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan—President of the Asian Chess Federation and the Emirati Esports Federation—the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club has become a cornerstone of international chess, renowned for its achievements and contributions to the global chess community. Recognized for its commitment to excellence and competitive integrity, the club has fostered a vibrant chess culture in the UAE and beyond, culminating in notable victories, including winning the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Team Championship. This legacy underscores the club’s standing as a leading institution in international chess and highlights its dedication to advancing the game globally. As the club marks its 25th anniversary, it invites partners and players from around the world to join in an epic celebration alongside the Asian Amateur Chess Championship 2024. This celebration will be highlighted by an epic echess knockout tournament on Checkmate Live’s platform, styled after the high-energy, immersive format of esports competitions. The live final in Al Ain, UAE, on December 22, 2024, will showcase top talent in a dramatic showdown. The Grand Final will be held at the official venue, Danat Al Ain Resort. The club’s strategic partnership with Checkmate Live, a next-gen online broadcast and tournament platform, reinforces its vision for the future and underscores its dedication to advancing competitive chess and mind sports globally. The Road to Al Ain: A Global Chess Journey The Road to Al Ain invites players from across the globe to participate in a series of online qualifiers beginning on November 23, 2024, with skill-level divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. Open to both rated and unrated players, these qualifiers will lead to the four Regional Finals, scheduled for December 7-8, 2024. Top contenders will advance to the Grand Final on December 22, 2024, in Al Ain. Key tournament highlights include: ● Global Inclusion: Open to both rated and unrated players, with divisions for Under 2000, Under 2300, and Open categories. ● Redemption Games: Players who do not qualify in their designated Elo division will have multiple opportunities to participate. If a player doesn’t qualify on their first attempt, they can enter additional qualifiers within their division or compete in higher Elo categories, creating thrilling opportunities for unexpected victories and upsets as competitors from all levels strive to advance. ● Bonus Rewards: Special prizes and rewards for female players, newcomers, and sportsmanship honorees. ● Continental Representation: Regional qualifiers hosted across four major time zones, each with four qualifiers per Elo division: ○ AO: Asia and Oceania ○ EAS: Europe and Southern Africa ○ MENTA: Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey ○ AM: Americas ● Generous Prizes: A total prize pool of $60,000 USD, including $35,000 in distributed prizes (USDC and in-game currency) throughout the tournament stages from Checkmate Live, with an additional $25,000 USD for the four-player Double Elimination Grand Final in Al Ain. ● Travel costs covered: Al Ain CMG provides flights, five-star accommodation, and meals for all Grand Final participants. ● Flexible Timing: Qualifiers are scheduled based on each player’s registered country to accommodate various time zones, ensuring global participation at convenient times. ● Travel and Accommodation: Finalists advancing to Al Ain will receive complimentary flights and accommodations, with the tournament’s Grand Final hosted at the luxurious Danat Al Ain Resort. Tournament Schedule and Structure Key Dates ● Weekend Qualifiers: November 23-24 and November 30 – December 1, 2024 ● Regional Finals: December 7-8, 2024 (four regional finals across major time zones) ● The Road to Al Ain Grand Final: December 22, 2024, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain Stage 1 – Online Qualifiers The Online Qualifiers will consist of a 3+2 Blitz Swiss-format tournament (9 rounds) designed to advance top players from each division to the Regional Finals. The structure is as follows: ● Under 2000 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. ● Under 2300 Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top four players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. ● Open Division: Four qualification tournaments will be held, with the top eight players from each tournament advancing to the Regional Finals. Stage 2 – Four Regional Finals Each zone—AO (Asia and Oceania), EAS (Europe and Southern Africa), MENTA (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey), and AM (Americas)—will host a 3+2 Blitz single-elimination head-to-head KO tournament. In each zone, a total of 64 players (16 from the Under 2000, 16 from the Under 2300, and 32 from the Open division) will compete, with the top player from each region ultimately advancing to the Grand Final. Each matchup will consist of two games. In the event of a tie, an Armageddon game will determine the winner, ensuring a decisive outcome for each head-to-head encounter. Stage 3 – Grand Final The four regional champions will compete in a double double-elimination knockout format to crown the tournament champion in Al Ain. These finalists will battle head-to-head for the title and a share of the additional $25,000 USD prize pool. Grand Final Details The Grand Final on December 22 will showcase a fast-paced double-elimination showdown among the four regional champions at the Danat Al Ain Resort. Participants will contend for significant cash prizes while experiencing the cultural richness of Al Ain, one of the UAE’s oldest and most cherished cities. Registration Details Registration opens on November 15, 2024. Players interested in competing can register at Checkmate.live. Don’t miss the chance to join this landmark event and experience the