Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - Following the success of the inaugural 2024 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship, Alexforbes is expanding the online competition to include high schools from all nine provinces across South Africa. The 2025 edition aims to reach an even wider audience, promoting inclusivity and fostering strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through the world’s most accessible sport.
After a strong response in 2024 from participants in Gauteng, Western Cape, North West and KwaZulu-Natal - with St John’s College, Johannesburg, crowned champions - this year’s online high school tournament will be open to schools nationwide, ensuring broader accessibility for students across the country.
Kicking off on May 10, the team-based championship will see schools competing within their respective provincial pools. The top teams from each pool will then advance to the final stage, with play-off matches on July 26 and August 9, for the national championship title.
Viresh Maharaj, Executive at Alexforbes, commented: “We are excited to extend the reach of the Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship to all nine provinces, giving more students the opportunity to develop critical problem-solving skills and compete on a national stage. Chess is much like investing. It’s not just about the next move, but about thinking long term, making smart choices and building strategically towards your endgame. It’s about learning to make every move count.’’
Schools and their chess enthusiasts are encouraged to register via BattleBoards.co.za, where they can find more information on the competition structure and key dates. Registration is open and closes on May 4.
Andre Lewaks, President of Chess South Africa, added: “The nationwide expansion of the Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship marks an exciting milestone for high school chess in South Africa. This initiative will provide students across all provinces with an opportunity to sharpen their strategic skills, compete at the highest level and be part of a growing chess community.’’
The Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship underscores Alexforbes’ dedication to nurturing young minds, promoting accessibility in sports and creating meaningful opportunities for students across South Africa.
