With less than 15 days left for the fourth Mindsports World Championships, event organiser Mindsports Academy (MSA) is ramping up activities to host the competition in Doha this month.
The event, which will be hosted by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), invites Qatar residents who have interest and passion in chess, Scrabble, e-sports, backgammon, bridge and Go, and want to take part, to register online at www.msawc2017.com
It is open to adults and youths of all abilities.
Scheduled to run between August 19 and 27, the championships will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Mindsports enthusiasts of all levels, from beginner to professional, will be vying for their mindsport championship title.
The tournament will be overseen by experienced tournament directors, including Jamie Kenmure (chess), Chiva Tafazzoli (backgammon), Shaikh Mohamed Isa and Saleh Ali al-Marri (bridge), and Prashanthi Weerawardane (Scrabble).
Participants will have the chance to win prizes such as iPhone 7s and more, and prize money from the $100,000 prize pool.
Prizes will also be given to the top Qatari in each event along with the top resident.
“We are very excited to be hosting the first edition of the Mindsports World Championships in the Middle East, allowing sports enthusiasts from the world over to experience Qatar’s authentic tourism offering,” QTA tourism festivals and events director Mashal Shahbik said.
“In working with MSA to host this event, we have been keen to offer residents the opportunity to be part of the international mindsports scene, with the added convenience of staying in Qatar,” she added.
Mindsports Academy chief executive Dave Brannan said: “Mindsports is one of the fastest growing communities in the world. With so many activities taking place, there is something for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to get involved in and become part of the global mindsports community.”
The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha is the official championship partner hotel.