The Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) has officially kicked-off the long-anticipated Classical Edition of its 2024 National Chess Championships, bringing together some of the finest chess talents across the country for a week-long battle of strategic mastery.
The opening ceremony, held in Sinkor, attracted a distinguished crowd, including former chess players, current champions, sponsors, key figures in the chess sector, and journalists from various media houses.
The event, which officially began on April 12, 2025, introduces multiple competition categories, including two newly established divisions: Cadet Category: open to players under 12 years old Senior Category: designed for inactive players aged 50 and above.
Following seven intense rounds of competition, promising young talent William Binda was crowned champion of the Cadet Category, showcasing remarkable composure and skill.
Meanwhile, former female champion and one of Africa best at the moment Abigail Karyah triumphed in the National Youth Chess Championship, while seasoned player James Bedell secured victory in the Senior Category.
On April 26, 2025, the excitement continued with the 2024 National Blitz Chess Championship, a rapid-paced event featuring 27 of Liberia’s most active and returning chess players.
After 11 electrifying rounds, reigning national champion Leroy Debblay once again proved his dominance by claiming the Blitz Chess Championship title, further cementing his place as one of Liberia’s finest chess minds.
As the month-long tournament approaches its grand closing on Sunday, May 11, 2025, chess officials and players will shift their focus to the LCF 8th General Assembly on Saturday, May 10.
This crucial gathering, restricted to accredited champions, officials, and stakeholders, will serve as a platform for critical discussions on the development of chess in Liberia.
The opening ceremony of the Classical Edition on Friday, May 2, witnessed Football financier Cassell Kuoh, theChief Executive Officer of Fassell Football Club, being announced a guest of honor for sporting the LCF with sponsorship through his company the New Energy Electric Vehicle (NEEV).
Kuoh, who is primarily known for his involvement in football, speaking at the event, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting chess, making a personal promise to cover the travel expenses of Liberia’s next national champion, who will represent the country at the 2025 Africa Individual Chess Championship in Egypt from May 12-20.
“Despite being involved in football, when we are called to support other sports, we do so to help young talents. I will cover the travel expenses of the champion who will represent Liberia in Egypt this year,” Kuoh declared.
Delivering the tournament’s overview, LCF President Thomas Karyah emphasized the prestige and importance of the Classical Chess Championship, describing it as the premier event in Liberia’s chess series.
According to Karyah, the winners of this edition will receive attractive cash prizes and the honor of representing Liberia in international chess tournaments throughout the remainder of 2025.
Meanwhile, with competitive intensity, new champions, and strong institutional backing, the 2024 National Chess Championships are set to leave a lasting impact on Liberia’s chess space, further establishing the nation’s presence in the global chess arena.
