The 2nd AR Chess Academy Classical Kicks off!

The 2nd AR Chess Academy Classical Tournament officially began this weekend in Al Olaya, Riyadh. It also marks a special milestone for the academy:this is the first ever FIDE-rated tournament hosted directly from the academy’s official location on Makkah Al Mukarramah Road.

A Ceremonial Start

Before the clocks were started, players were seated and the atmosphere was set. The ceremonial move was made by Mr. Fahaed Bin Mohamed Al Takhin, a representative from the Ministry of Sport.

A proud moment for the academy, the recognition of chess as one of the fastest-growing sports in the Kingdom and a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s increasing support for mind-sports initiatives. Soon after, the announcement was made to begin the games. 

A Line-Up of Rising Talents

The tournament brought together an impressive mix of experienced players and young prodigies, several of whom have already made waves at the Saudi Arabia Chess Championship 2025.

Among them was Basil Ahmed Mohammed Alsalman, a name many in the local scene already know well.

Basil captured third place in the U14 category less than a month ago, but his achievements extend beyond medals. He’s gained recognition worldwide, appearing on multiple Saudi news platforms and even representing the Kingdom in international youth-chess media events, including the Kids vs Stars exhibition on ChessKid, where he faced the popular streamer Anna Cramling.

Credit: Taken from chesskid live stream

His return to the board this weekend drew a lot of attention, with spectators eager to see whether he could continue his momentum in the classical format.

Joining him was Musaad H. Almutairi, the reigning U14 Champion, who showed exceptional composure and precision at this year’s Kingdom Championship too. For Musaad, this is an opportunity to continue his impeccable streak of impressive performances.

Credit: KSAChess from x.com

And of course, among the most anticipated names in the lineup was Mohamed Elhendy, the winner of the 1st AR Chess Academy Classical Tournament. Having set the bar high during the inaugural edition, Elhendy now returns to defend his title, not an easy feat given the calibre of players at this event.

The tournament's competitive level is further elevated by the presence of seven titled players. Among them are FM Sameh Sadek, known for his endgame prowess and lasting experience; WIM Jesse Nikki February, a dynamic player and coach; and CM Hassan S. Al Mutairi, one of Saudi Arabia’s most consistent performers. The field also includes AIM Abu Sayeed Shahan, AFM Mohammed Bassam S. Alnuwaiser, AFM Julmin Kunding, and ACM Kalyan Kumar Vemuri, all of whom add international experience and depth to the lineup.

Round 1: Tension, Talent, and Tenacity

From the very first moves, the academy was alive with focus and intensity. The playing venue fell silent with only the sound of clocks being pressed, pieces being captured and soft whispers in the background. The aura of the tournament began to form.

A few early results hinted at what’s to come: confident wins from favorites, surprise draws from lower-rated players, and even a few upsets that left the crowd murmuring in appreciation. It’s clear that no player is here simply to gain experience, everyone came to fight.

It’s moments like these that capture the heart of what AR Chess Academy stands for: competition mixed with camaraderie, and growth through the game itself.

For the Analysts: Every Move Recorded

For those who love to study the finer details, the complete PGN file of all Round 1 games can be found right here: https://lichess.org/study/poCWiyPt

Looking Ahead to Round 2

As the pieces return to their starting squares, anticipation builds for Round 2. The pairings already hint at dramatic clashes: experienced players meeting the young prodigies, and rematches that promise fireworks on the board: https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1290791.aspx?lan=1&art=2&rd=2&SNode=S0

More images can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1woy16p8l2fdK4L6Cue1hku4ubnC2KGFE?usp=drive_link