AR Chess Academy's First Classical Tournament
- AR Chess Academy
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
From the 1st to the 7th of August, AR Chess Academy is hosting its first-ever FIDE-rated classical chess tournament at Al Rissalah International School in Al Sulimaniah, Riyadh. It’s a proud moment that highlights just how far the academy has come and how much further it aims to go.
With 24 players from 9 different countries participating, the tournament boasts a full week of competitive, high-level chess. It is organised under the patronage of the Saudi Chess Federation, and offers a valuable opportunity for local and international players to gain or improve their FIDE rating.
The event is led by Tournament Director GM Abdelrahman Hesham, founder of AR Chess Academy, whose vision has been instrumental in bringing this event to life. Overseeing the tournament is Chief Arbiter Marwan Ali Farhan, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
A Promising Start: Day 1 Highlights
Rounds 1 and 2 concluded with some surprising and exciting results. One of the standout moments of the day came in the 1st round when Ahmed Hamada Ali (unrated) pulled off a remarkable upset by defeating Hattan Thafer Alkalali (1783).
The tournament also features two Arena-titled players:
AIM Shahan Abu Sayeed
AFM Mohammed Bassam S. Alnuwaiser
Both players bring experience and strength to the field, making them ones to watch in the coming rounds!
A Strong Showing for Female Participation
We're proud to note that six female players are competing in the event. It’s an encouraging figure that reflects AR Chess Academy’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in chess. The academy continues to support inclusivity by creating more opportunities for female players to train, compete, and thrive in a supportive environment.
Take a look at the game played on board 1 in round 1 between Leen Mohammed S Aldawsari (unrated) and top seed, Adeem Mohammed Al-Dosari (1817)
More Than Just a Tournament
Members of the academy can be seen proudly wearing their AR Chess Academy t-shirts, just one of many perks of being part of the community. From discounted entry fees and coaching support during events, to exclusive merchandise, membership offers more than just training. It’s about belonging to a growing movement.
With two rounds completed and five still to go, the competition is heating up. Only four players remain on a perfect 2/2 score, setting the stage for some exciting match-ups in Round 3. Board 1 will feature an all-woman clash between Adeem and Maitha, both off to a strong start. On Board 2, Rakan will face off against Tunar, as they each look to maintain momentum. Meanwhile, the rest of the field will be battling hard to climb back into contention!
Follow the Tournament
Games are being rated live, and spectators can follow the standings, pairings, and results here:
Stay tuned as we continue to share more updates, key positions, and behind-the-scenes moments from Riyadh's first international-level classical chess tournament hosted by AR Chess Academy.
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