As part of the World Youth Chess Championship in Albania, an international Dice Chess tournament was held, bringing together a large number of participants from around the globe.
A total of 83 players from 26 countries took part in the event:
🇦🇱 Albania, 🇩🇿 Algeria, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, 🇨🇳 China, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇭🇺 Hungary, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇽🇰 Kosovo, 🇱🇻 Latvia, 🇲🇰 North Macedonia, 🇲🇪 Montenegro, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇹🇯 Tajikistan, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇺🇦 Ukraine, 🇺🇸 USA.
The tournament was played in a 7 double-round Swiss system (two games against each opponent, for a total of 14 games) with a time control of 5 minutes + 5 seconds per move.
The suspense lasted until the very last round, with the final standings decided in the closing games. After a tense battle, 🇦🇿 Khagan Ahmad (Azerbaijan) emerged as the winner, scoring 11 points. In second place was 🇺🇸 Qi Xin (USA) — also with 11 points, and 🇺🇸 Andrew Jing (USA) took third place with 10 points.
🏆 Top prizes:
🥇 🇦🇿 Khagan Ahmad (Azerbaijan) — 11 points
🥈 🇺🇸 Qi Xin (USA) — 11 points
🥉 🇺🇸 Andrew Jing (USA) — 10 points
4. Yung-Hao Chen (🇹🇼 Taiwan) — 10 points
5. Alaudin Shtavica (🇽🇰 Kosovo) — 10 points
6. Eliyakim Alcantara (🇫🇷 France) — 10 points
7. Djordje Zizic (🇲🇪 Montenegro) — 9 points
8. Qi Pang (🇺🇸 USA) — 9 points
9. Chenyi Lin (🇿🇦 South Africa) — 9 points
10. Hieronymus Nicolussi (🇦🇹 Austria) — 9 points
11. Petro Boci (🇦🇱 Albania) — 9 points
12. Yi-Cen Liao (🇹🇼 Taiwan) — 9 points
13. Yi-Chen Wei (🇹🇼 Taiwan) — 9 points
14. Sabina-Francesca Foisor (🇺🇸 USA) — 9 points
Best female players:
🥇 🇩🇪 Alissa Wartenberg (Germany) — 10 points
🥈 🇩🇪 Lisa Sickmann (Germany) — 10 points
🥉 🇺🇸 Jenny Qi (USA) — 9 points
The tournament was marked by an incredibly positive atmosphere.
Despite the spirit of competition, participants played with smiles, supported one another, and eagerly shared their impressions. It was clear that Dice Chess inspired the players and brought excitement even to those who tried the format for the first time.
Many federation representatives and coaches noted that they are already planning to organize Dice Chess tournaments and workshops in their own countries.
Dice Chess extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, parents, coaches, volunteers, and fans for their enthusiasm and vibrant energy!
Special thanks to the organizers of the World Youth Chess Championship, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and the Albanian Chess Federation for their support and for making this wonderful event possible.
More photos can be found HERE
