2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament
The 2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament at the M-PESA Foundation Academy was a spectacular event. This FIDE-rated tournament brought together over 440 chess enthusiasts from across Eastern Africa for a weekend of intense competition, camaraderie, and celebration of the game’s unifying power.
The tournament featured three categories: U1400 & Under 12, U1700, and the Elite Section. Each category showcased a vibrant mix of young prodigies and seasoned veterans, all vying for glory on the 64 squares.
Players in the U1400 & Under 12, and U1700 categories faced off in six rounds of intense, 60-minute games, while those in the Elite Section battled through 90-minute games, testing their mental acuity and strategic prowess to the fullest.
Winners
Gong Thon Gong from South Sudan claimed the top spot, In the Elite Section, with his compatriot Mach Chol securing second place. FM Klimakovs Sergejs from Latvia was third.
Achuoth Deng from Kakuma Refugee Chess Club emerged as the winner in the U1700 Section, followed by Bradly Wathimba from Makini School in second place. Ader Ajak, also representing Kakuma Refugee Chess, was third.
Adrian Kariuki of Membly Titans took first place in the U1400 & Under 12 category. Shem Apamo and Nigel Njoroge, from Mavens Chess Club, came in second and third place, respectively.
The event’s biggest highlight was the remarkable performance of the Kakuma Refugee Chess Team, competing under the banner ‘Chess for Protection.’ Their resilience and talent were on full display as they won the prestigious Best Club/School Award.
Game Corner
idChess App
In a landmark move, the tournament partnered with idChess to broadcast the top three boards, marking the first time in Kenya that idChess streamed in real-time. This groundbreaking collaboration allowed chess enthusiasts worldwide to follow the games live.
Event details
Participants competed not only for the glory of victory but also for a range of coveted prizes. These included substantial cash awards, a one-year license to an exclusive chess database, and gleaming trophies and medals.
The Gift of Chess organised the event with the unwavering support of key partners such as FIDE, Chess Kenya, Opening Master, Afribot, Snapic Production, Confucius Institute, idChess, and Opic.
Phylis Mbaire Ngigi was the Tournament Director, with FA Karanja Amos as the Chief Arbiter and FA Kyalo Cynthia Wayua as his deputy.
Links
2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki on chess-results.com.
2024 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Live transmission.
Ronald Wabwire wins 2023 Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Tournament.
Chess Book Shop
Article by Kenya Chess Masala.