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ChessMasters
Nigeria's premier annual inter-school chess tournament developing 21st-century skills and future leaders
ChessMasters 2026 brought together 150 schools, 750 young minds, and 100 coaches in one powerful day of strategy, learning, and competition at Eko Hotels & Suites.
Watch the highlights and see how the movement continues to grow.
What is ChessMasters?
Launched in May 2025, ChessMasters made a bold and impactful statement, beginning its journey toward becoming Nigeria’s premier annual school chess tournament.
Born from a groundbreaking partnership between KEY academy, a 21st-century school pioneering project-based learning in Nigeria, and Eko Hotels & Suites, Nigeria’s leading cultural and hospitality hub, the initiative is already redefining what a school tournament can be.
ChessMasters is designed to equip children with essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making.
More than just a chess tournament, it is the start of a movement to democratize access to 21st-century education and shape the next generation of young leaders. Chess is simply the vehicle. The real focus is on what it unlocks.
The 2026 edition - A historic move
150
schools
750
students
Eko Hotels & Suites
Lagos
₦10M+
in prize money
2 May 2026
tournament day
What began as a vision has continued to grow beyond what we imagined. Beyond the numbers, our second edition was confirmation of one of our deeply held beliefs, when children are given a platform to perform, they rise to the occasion.
Brought to you by
In association with
2026 edition proudly sponsored by
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