The first-ever ChessMasters tournament will takeplace at Eko Hotel & Suites, bringing together over 500 young players from 100+ schools for Africa’s largest school chess tournament, competing for more than ₦5,000,000 in prize money.
The inaugural ChessMasters tournament is open to primary school children aged between 6 and 11 years old, across Lagos, who are eager to challenge themselves, think critically, and compete at the highest level.
More than just a competition, ChessMasters is the launchpad for a bold new vision: a pan-African movement leveraging chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and leadership development.
A groundbreaking collaboration between KEY academy, Africa’s first 100% project-based school, and Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos’ leading venue for large scale cultural events, and Chess in Slums Africa, the globally recognised nonprofit founded by chess champion and Guinness World Record holder, Tunde Onakoya – ChessMasters is designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. This tournament is the proof of concept for a transformative initiative that will extend far beyond Nigeria, shaping the future of education across the continent.
“At KEY academy, we believe learning should go beyond memorisation and test scores but also cultivate 21st century skills including critical thinking, problem solving and resilience.
ChessMasters is an extension of that philosophy – a platform where young minds can develop 21st century skills that will serve them in every aspect of life. By integrating chess into education, we are not just teaching a game; we are shaping a generation of problem solvers and future leaders for Africa,” noted KEY academy founder, Damiola Okonkwo.
The ChessMasters initiative has garnered support from a diverse group of blue-chip brands and industry-leading innovators, underscoring its credibility and far-reaching impact. Sponsors including Sterling Bank, 7Up, Mikano, Fidson Healthcare, Paga, and DyeLab bring a wealth of expertise and influence across finance, consumer goods, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and design.
Their backing not only strengthens the tournament’s foundation but also highlights a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and youth development.
In a region where trust and credibility are essential, the involvement of these prominent companies reinforces ChessMasters’ potential to become a transformative force in education across Africa.
Tournament winners and details on future programming to be announced in the coming weeks.