Press Release Municipality of Wageningen
With great pride and enthusiasm, we announce that the World Draughts Championship will take place this year in the beautiful town hall of Wageningen from December 19 to 30! This world-class event, organized in collaboration with the Royal Dutch Draughts Federation (KNDB), is not only a celebration for draughts enthusiasts but also a tribute to the special bond between Wageningen and this strategic game.
A Local Touch to World-Class Competition
The World Draughts Championship will have a special Wageningen character due to the participation of two players with strong connections to our city. Jan Groenendijk, one of the finalists in the men’s category and one of the Netherlands’ greatest draughts talents, has lived in Wageningen for a long time. In the women’s category, Darya Tkachenko, an Ukrainian who now resides in Wageningen, will compete.
Anne Jansen, the sports alderman of the municipality of Wageningen, said: “It is an incredible honor to welcome the World Draughts Championship to our town hall. The fact that players like Jan Groenendijk and Darya Tkachenko, with their unique ties to Wageningen, have a chance to compete for a world title in our wedding hall makes this tournament unforgettable. Together with the KNDB and our partners, we celebrate not only top-level sports but also the unifying power of thinking, strategy, and community.”
In addition to Jan Groenendijk, Yuriy Anikeev and the Ukrainian draughts players Darya Tkachenko and Viktoriia Motrichko will also compete for the world titles. This promises to be an exciting and inspiring competition for both seasoned draughts players and curious spectators.
What to Expect?
- Location and Times: The wedding hall will be transformed into an arena for mind sports at the highest level. In the council chamber, visitors can follow the matches with commentary from top draughts players such as Ton Sijbrands, Jitse Slump (vice-European champion and number 5 of the last World Championship), and Martijn van IJzendoorn (number 3 of the last World Championship and number 2 in the 2024 World Cup standings). The matches start daily at 10:00 AM and last until 3:00 PM at the latest.
- Draughts Meetings: In collaboration with the KNDB, draughts meetings will be organized to inspire both young and old. These sessions emphasize draughts as a means to stay mentally sharp and connect generations.
- Fun for Everyone: With the help of the Fitter Brain Foundation and the Gelderland Sports Federation, we make this event accessible and inspiring for the entire community.
- Simultaneous Exhibition: On Saturday, December 28, Ton Sijbrands will play a simultaneous exhibition in the Grote Kerk. This event is also free and open to the public.
Please note: During the Christmas holidays, the tournament will move to Sportcentrum Papendal. December 31 is reserved for a decisive tiebreak match.
Come and Experience It!
This event is not only an opportunity to see the grandmasters of draughts in action but also to enjoy sporting excellence and the unifying power of strategy together. It is a unique opportunity to see our town hall shine as the stage for a global event. Let’s show together that Wageningen is not only the city of peace but also a city where mind sports, community, and connection are central.
Come and cheer – for our players, for the sport, and for Wageningen!
