Locals Take Part In Queen’s Gambit Challenge
27 participants from Bermuda took part in the 2025/26 Queen’s Gambit Challenge, a FIDE-backed global initiative to promote chess among women.
A spokesperson said, “The Queen’s Gambit Challenge is a global initiative supported by FIDE, the world chess governing body, aimed at promoting chess among female players of all ages.
“The first stage of the 2025/26 Queen’s Gambit Challenge commenced in April 2025 and ran for seven weeks, concluding last weekend. Over 480 female participants from around the world benefited from two hours of weekly free on-line chess training provided by International Chess Masters. Among them, Bermuda made a notable contribution with 27 participants, ranging in age from 6 to 65.
“The culmination of this first stage was a global online chess tournament, which featured three sections: Under 16, Over 16 Beginners, and an Intermediate group for players advancing their skills.
“Bermuda showcased impressive performances, particularly by local educators Daisha Payne and Sophia Burch, who placed 9th and 12th respectively in the Over 16 Beginners category. And, in the Intermediate section, Kelly Massa secured 16th position, while Yasmin Flanagan achieved a remarkable podium 3rd place, narrowly missing out on 1st after losing on time from a winning position against the eventual tournament champion.
“Looking ahead, participants will be invited to continue their chess development in the next stage of the Queen’s Gambit Challenge, which begins in September. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the ongoing development of chess in Bermuda.
“It all started in March 2025 when 22 educators from across the island participated in the “Chess in Education: Preparation for Teachers” course, designed to train them in using chess as an educational tool. This initiative received support from the FIDE Planning & Development Commission [PDC] and Bermuda’s Department of Education. Many of the female educators who participated in that course later joined the Queen’s Gambit Challenge. Many of these players are now aiming to compete for Bermuda in the Chess Olympiad scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan in 2026, with the hope that several educators and students introduced to chess in 2025 will be part of that team.
“Further advancements in local chess include the Bermuda Chess Association [BCA] receiving a donation of 400 chess sets and boards from Gift of Chess, which will be distributed among the island’s schools later this year. Over the past six months, the association, in collaboration with local schools, has worked diligently to establish school chess clubs and integrate chess into the curriculum. Additionally, Dalton E. Tucker School hosted the island’s first Chess Festival last month, with an inaugural inter-schools tournament set to take place at the end of June.
“Several local schools are also seeking accreditation from FIDE to become recognized Chess Schools. Furthermore, a number of educators will participate in the “Chess in Education: Preparation for Lecturers” online course at the end of July, equipping them to teach other educators how to incorporate chess into their classrooms. This initiative aims to foster the growth and sustainability of chess in Bermuda.”
A representative from the Bermuda Chess Association [BCA] expressed enthusiasm about the growth of chess on the island, stating, “It is thrilling to see chess develop in such a way on the island. With these exciting developments, Bermuda is truly establishing itself as a chess hub, and the growing activity within schools is a testament to that progress”.
A spokesperson added, “For any questions, please refer to the website www.bermudachess.com or contact the Bermuda Chess Association at bermudachess@gmail.com.”
