Qatar residents will have the chance to play alongside international champions at the 4th Mindsports World Championships, which will kick off in Doha on Saturday.
Organiser Mindsports Academy and host Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) are calling those who are interested in competing in chess, scrabble, backgammon, bridge, Go or e-Sports to register for free at www.msawc2017.com
“We are very excited to welcome the world’s most accomplished and committed mindsports players as they battle for the title of the best in their sport while enjoying uniquely Qatari experiences and a taste of true hospitality,” QTA’s director of public relations and communication Saif al-Kuwari said.
“Whether they are amateurs, hobbyists or aspiring pros, residents have the unique opportunity to compete alongside internationally renowned players right here at home in Qatar,” he added.
Chess and scrabble masters are confirmed to attend this years’ event being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, sponsored by official telecom partner Ooredoo.
According to organisers, the champions will be putting themselves to the test to compete in the various events held across the week and offering their skills as trainers for all enthusiasts who wish to attend and learn how to develop their own game play.
British Grand Master Keith Arkell, along with his protégé and current International Master Jack Rudd, will be participating, among various Grand Masters and Masters.
“I love travelling the world, and wherever I go the people are very nice. I’m sure this will also be the case with Qatar. Qatar fascinates me. I often watch Al Jazeera,” Arkell said.
Rudd, meanwhile, said this is his first time in the Middle East.
“I always enjoy travelling to countries I’ve not been to before, and Qatar I’m sure will be no exception.”
Hungary-born Grand Master Tamàs Fodor has been playing chess from the age of five and received his Grand Master title in 2013.
“I always heard that it’s a beautiful country, I am looking forward to checking it out for myself. I am looking forward seeing Doha with a mix of new and old,” he said.
Young and upcoming chess super star Ieysaa Bin-Suhayl, who recently received his Chess Master title at 12 years old, will be taking on players much older than him as he continues his ascent on the world stage.
“First of all I can’t wait to fly to Qatar. I love Qatar Airways ... I flew with them before and I loved every minute of it. I can watch movies, play chess with other passengers during the flight, it’s great! I don’t normally sleep because I have a really good time and this time my brother Yousuf is coming with us, so the fun will be double,” Suhayl said.
World renowned scrabble player and advocate Ganesh Asirvatham headlines the field. He has been playing scrabble since he was 12 and enjoys a gaming career spanning 17 years.
This year in Qatar, Ganesh will be offering his services as a trainer and will be there to share his expertise.
Ooredoo named official partner
Ooredoo will be the official partner of the fourth edition of the Mindsports World Championships 2017, taking place in Qatar this year, as part of the Qatar Summer Festival 2017, it was announced.
The event, which will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from August 19 to 27, is expected to attract some 1,500 mindsports enthusiasts from more than 40 countries.
The championships comprise a multitude of events, including the six headline mindsports: scrabble, chess, Go, bridge, backgammon and e-Sports.
Players can register now at www.msawc2017.com, where they can see the list of prizes up for grabs, including Apple technology contributed by Ooredoo.
“Ooredoo is proud to sponsor this important event, not only to attract more visitors from across the world to our country but to help integrate Qatari culture, which has a huge tradition of mindsports, with the next-generation of players,” Ooredoo’s public relations and corporate communications director Manar Khalifa al-Muraikhi said, as she encouraged people to attend the championships.
She also thanked the event’s host, Qatar Tourism Authority, for once again partnering with Ooredoo.
Confirmed participants of the event include chess grand masters Keith Arkell from the UK and Tamas Fodor of Hungary. Both will be aiming for the Champion’s status in the main five-day chess event.
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