Castle Chess Club and Academy has once again risen to the top of Maldivian chess, clinching the coveted 2025 National Club Chess Championship title after nine days of intense competition at the Hulhumalé Chess Arcade.
The victory marks Castle’s second national triumph, following their earlier success in 2023. Since their debut in 2019, the club has never finished below second place, underscoring a remarkable record of consistency, discipline, and teamwork that has made them a dominant force in the national chess scene.
This year’s campaign was a true test of endurance and unity. Competing without a reserve player and with just one national-level athlete, Castle Chess Club and Academy overcame formidable odds through sheer determination and strategic brilliance. Their resilience throughout the tournament became a defining feature of their championship run.
Stone Wall Chess Club claimed the runner-up position after a fierce battle that kept the title race alive until the final rounds. The team’s star-studded roster included the top three finishers from the most recent National Individual Chess Championship, a former national player, and the reigning women’s national champion — making them one of the strongest squads ever assembled in the competition’s history.
Hulhumalé Chess Club rounded out the podium in third place, capping off a strong and consistent performance that reaffirmed their standing as one of the fastest-rising clubs in the country’s chess circuit.
This year’s championship featured a record participation of 17 clubs and 84 players, showcasing the growing reach and enthusiasm for chess across the Maldives. The event was lauded for its smooth organization, competitive intensity, and the impressive showing of young emerging players who are steadily shaping the nation’s chess future.
As Castle Chess Club and Academy celebrates another milestone victory, the 2025 tournament highlights a new chapter for Maldivian chess — one marked by rising standards, deeper talent pools, and a thriving culture of competition that continues to elevate the sport nationwide.
