The Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament 2nd Edition took place in Kenya from Saturday, 21st September 2024 to Sunday, 22nd September 2024, showcasing the growing strength of chess in Africa.

Organized by the Gift of Chess non-profit organization, this FIDE-rated tournament was a celebration of the sport’s ability to unite communities, with participants from across the East African region and beyond. Opening Master was proud sponsor. 

 

Bringing Chess to the African Community

One of the standout aspects of this event was its strong sense of purpose, beyond the competition itself. The Gift of Chess Organization has a mission to make chess accessible to outreach communities, especially in regions where exposure to the game has traditionally been limited. In line with this vision, the tournament was not only a platform for great chess battles but also a powerful vehicle to promote chess as a tool for education and empowerment.

The event served as a example for the growing African chess community, with players of all skill levels—from rising stars to seasoned veterans—participating in the FIDE-rated competition. This was an important opportunity for African players to test their skills on an international stage and gain FIDE ratings, further strengthening the continent’s growing presence in the chess world.

The Role of Sponsorship and Opening Master Chess Database

The tournament received generous support from sponsors such as Chess Kenya, FIDE including Opening Master, a renowned chess database company that has become an essential tool for both professional and amateur players. Our involvement in the event is commitment to nurturing chess talent and supporting the development of the game across different communities and continents. Opening Master’s sponsorship helped ensure the tournament was a success, providing resources that helped the event and created a memorable experience for participants. 

The Gift of Chess Initiative

The event was more than just a tournament; it was a platform to promote the Gift of Chess initiative, a project dedicated to distributing chess sets to underserved communities. The tournament organizers aligned their efforts with this initiative, supporting the notion that chess can transform lives by enhancing critical thinking, strategy, and discipline. By spreading the love of the game to outreach communities, the organizers and sponsors like Opening Master helped plant seeds of intellectual growth and opportunity.

We are inviting all chess players to use the special coupon code during Opening Master purchase checkout „Giftofchess“ to be eligible for immediate discount of 20%. We value our partners and we return back to the chess community.

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A Growing Tradition in African Chess

The second edition of the Jumuiya Ya Afrika Mashariki Open Chess Tournament built upon the success of its first edition, further establishing itself as a key event in the African chess calendar. The tournament is fast becoming a cherished tradition for chess enthusiasts in the region, providing a competitive yet friendly environment where players can showcase their talents while forming connections that transcend borders.

As the tournament continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of African chess and we look forward next year to 3rd edition. Kudos to the organizers and winners of the tournament.