N1million Up For Grab As Ogun Chess Association Sets To Host Maiden U-25 Rapid Tournament
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Chess Association, in collaboration with Cyntoco Services Ltd, is set to make history with the maiden Ogun State Under-25 Rapid Chess Tournament, scheduled to take place from March 27–28, 2026 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The two-day tournament will be held at the Ogun State Sports Council, Ijeja Stadium, and is expected to attract some of the brightest young chess talents from across the state and beyond.
The competition is officially FIDE-rated, giving participants the opportunity to improve their international chess rankings while competing for a share of the ₦1,000,000 total prize fund.
The tournament will feature 11 rounds of rapid chess with a time control of 20 minutes plus 10 seconds increment per move, ensuring fast-paced and exciting contests on the board.
Attractive cash prizes have been earmarked for top performers, with the champion set to receive ₦250,000, while the second and third-place finishers will earn ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
Additional prizes will be awarded down to the 15th position, ensuring wider recognition for outstanding performances.
Special category prizes will also reward emerging talents, including Best Female Player and Best Under-14 Player, further encouraging youth and female participation in the sport.
According to the organizers, the tournament aims to promote chess development among young players in Ogun State, provide a competitive platform for upcoming talents, and strengthen the state’s reputation as a growing hub for mind sports in Nigeria.
Interested players can register ahead of the competition, with early registration available for the first 30 participants before late registration applies.
The event marks a significant milestone for chess in Ogun State, as stakeholders hope the maiden edition will lay the foundation for a strong annual championship capable of producing future national and international chess stars.
