The event, which runs until July 21, has brought together some of the best minds in chess to compete for a total prize fund of P100 000, sponsored by CRACKiT Botswana. Organised by Moemedi Senwelo from the CRACKiT Series International Chess Challenge, the tournament promises to be a fiercely contested event. Of the total prize money, P73 000 is allocated for winners, with the remaining P27 000 designated for logistical expenses.

“The response has been phenomenal,” Senwelo stated. “We have seen participants registering not only from Botswana but also from neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.”

The tournament will feature some of Botswana’s renowned chess titans, including Woman Grand Master Tuduetso Sabure and International Master Providence Oatlhotse. Notably, players holding FIDE titles of Grand Master, International Master, Women Grand Master, and Women International Master are exempt from paying entry fees, encouraging top-tier competition.

The event comprises multiple sections. Section A, open to all players with a rating below 1800, is expected to draw local participation. 

Meanwhile, the Open Section and Women’s Section offer substantial cash prizes: the Open champion will receive P12 000, with second and third places earning P10 000 and P8 000, respectively. 

The Women’s Section rewards include P8 000 for the winner and P5 000 for the runner-up, with the third-place finisher claiming P3 000. For players with ratings below 1 800 in Section A, the prizes are P3 000 for first place, P2 000 for second, and P1 500 for third. The organisers hope that the event will foster greater local engagement and elevate Botswana’s profile in the international chess community. ENDS