By S. Siapha Mulbah
The Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) has announced a significant change to the country’s largest and most prestigious chess competition. The annual Liberia National Chess Championship will be replaced by the National Chess Festival, set to be launched in late March 2025. This bold transition aims to usher in a new chapter for the domestic chess community, introducing a broader and more inclusive format.
The decision to shift from a national championship to a festival-style event follows extensive discussions among chess stakeholders. The LCF, in collaboration with key partners, has agreed on the need for a reform that will not only identify Liberia’s national chess champion but also engage a wider segment of the population. The festival will celebrate chess in Liberia, showcasing a variety of activities and categories, and inviting participation from players at all levels.
In a recent interview with local media, LCF President Thomas Karyah, emphasized the importance of reforming the existing tournament structure. “The championship has been of huge significance, but it’s been limited in scope, mainly attracting only those regularly seen around the corridors of the federation. We want to open this up to the greater portion of Liberian society,” Karyah explained.
The upcoming National Chess Festival will feature various categories designed to include players from all backgrounds, regardless of their activity level. “We are working to create a festival that will cater to both active and inactive chess players of all ages,” Karyah continued. “Our regular championship will remain for women and men, but we will also introduce categories for juniors, seniors, and even those who play chess for recreation.”
One of the key highlights of the festival will be the celebration of Liberia’s growing women’s chess scene. President Karyah noted that the women’s category this year would play a vital role in promoting the country’s female champions, who gained international recognition with their outstanding performance at the 2024 World Chess Olympiad in Hungary. “The women’s section has grown significantly, and the world chess community is keen to see how much more we can achieve following our impressive showing at the Olympiad,” he said.
The festival will also include a women’s qualifier, providing an opportunity for female players from across the country to demonstrate their skills and potentially earn a spot in upcoming international competitions. “This year, we want to give all our ladies a chance to show their strength and potential in the game,” Karyah added.
The National Chess Festival will be the first of its kind in Liberia, and organizers hope it will bring a fresh wave of energy to the sport while strengthening Liberia’s position on the international chess stage.
As preparations ramp up for the festival in March, the chess community is buzzing with anticipation. Players, coaches, and fans are eager to see the new format in action and to witness the next generation of chess talent emerge.
