On Sunday, October 27, Rhodes warmly welcomed 245 amateur chess players from 54 countries for the start of the 2024 World Amateur Chess Championship. The event is being held from October 27 to November 4 at the De Roses Hall of the Rodos Palace 5* Hotel. Participants are competing across four categories: U2300 (open category up to 2300 Elo), U2000 (open category up to 2000 Elo), U1700 (open category up to 1700 Elo), and W1700 (women’s category up to 1700 ELO).
The tournament officially kicked off with the presence of the Deputy Governor of the South Aegean for Sports, Akis Delaportas, and the Honorary Chairman of the FIDE Events Commission, Ozgur Solakoglu. Mr. Delaportas made the ceremonial first move on the first board in a game between FM Alejandro Castellanos Gomez and Georgia Grapsa.
Greece has the largest representation with 41 players, followed by Mongolia with 27, India with 15, Germany with 14, and Kazakhstan with 13. Although this is an amateur championship, it has attracted 21 titled players (11 FMs, 4 WFMs, and 6 CMs), setting the stage for exciting and competitive battles.
The first round was already full of surprises and produced several upsets, with quite a few favorites either losing or settling for a draw.
Detailed results for each category are available here: U2300, U2000, U1700, W1700
The games are broadcast live on the Lichess platform and can be followed via these links: U2300, U2000, U1700, W1700
Photos, content, and additional materials from the Championship can be found on the social media pages of the Rhodes Chess Club "Ippotis."
Website: ippotis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/rhodeschessevents/
Instagram: instagram.com/rhodes_chess_events/
TikTok: tiktok.gr/@rhodes_chess_even
YouTube: youtube.com/@rhodes_chess_events
The World Amateur Championship is an official event of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), co-organized by the Rhodes Chess Club "Ippotis," the South Aegean Region, the Municipality of Rhodes, and the Hellenic Chess Federation (ESO).
Our gratitude goes to the South Aegean Region, Governor George Hatzimarkos & Deputy Governor for Sports Akis Delaporta, RODOS PALACE Hotel 5*, Antonis Kampourakis of Xenakis Mobility, Melissokomiki Dodecanese, J@D Rent a Car, At Holidays, the accounting firm “Papadimitriou & Partners,” and Ilektrodome S.A. for their unwavering support.
Photos: nikpvasilakis
