The ChessMasters 2026 competition drew an impressive gathering of young talents on Saturday at the Eko Hotels and Suites Convention Centre, bringing together 750 students from 150 Lagos schools in what is regarded as Nigeria’s largest interschool chess tournament.

The event showcased not only the growing popularity of chess among young Nigerians but also its increasing recognition as a tool for intellectual development and strategic thinking.

Co-founder of ChessMasters, Caline Chagoury Moudaber, who is also a Director at Eko Hotels & Suites, expressed excitement over the event’s success, describing the atmosphere as vibrant and filled with enthusiasm. Similarly, founder of Key Academy and co-founder Damilola Okonkwo noted that the competition continues to promote essential 21st-century skills, calling for greater integration of chess into school curricula nationwide.

Vice President of the Nigerian Chess Federation, Prince Adeyinka Adewole, described the turnout as a significant milestone for the sport. He noted that having hundreds of children compete under one roof without incident reflected strong organisation and discipline, while also pointing to a promising future for chess in Nigeria.

Adewole emphasised that the competition forms part of a broader roadmap to develop world-class players, including the country’s long-standing ambition to produce a Grandmaster. According to him, achieving this goal will require increased exposure to international competitions, improved training structures, and sustained investment in grassroots development.

Beyond competition, stakeholders highlighted the educational value of chess. Organisers and partners stressed that the game enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and even vocabulary development among children.

Corporate partners also underscored the importance of supporting youth development through such initiatives. Representatives from organisations including Mikano International, i-invest, and Fidson Healthcare described their involvement as part of broader commitments to education, community development, and nurturing future leaders.

For participants, the competition was both challenging and rewarding. Ten-year-old Devansh Parekh, one of the winners, expressed excitement at securing his first trophy, attributing his success to consistent practice and dedication.

Parents and coaches also commended the high level of organisation and participation, describing the tournament as a “massive” and well-executed event that continues to raise the standard of youth chess in Nigeria.

As the competition concluded, organisers and stakeholders agreed that ChessMasters 2026 has set a new benchmark, reinforcing the role of chess not just as a game, but as a powerful platform for developing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders. (Arise News)

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