Gazi Open Chess Tournament Kicks Off in Gaziantep
Yazar: Haber Merkezi · · Kategori: Spor
Gaziantep hosted the opening ceremony of the 1st Gazi Open International Chess Tournament, drawing 700 players from 23 nations. The event offers a 1.5 million TL prize pool and runs across four categories.
Gaziantep made a grand entrance into the international chess scene as the 1st Gazi Open International Chess Tournament kicked off with an opening ceremony. Organized to boost the city’s reputation as a sports hub, the event attracted around 700 competitors from 23 countries.
The four‑category tournament brings together grandmasters, young talents and players of all ages from Turkey and abroad. With a total cash prize of 1.5 million TL, it ranks among Turkey’s most lucrative open chess events.
Mayor Fatma Şahin highlighted the mental benefits of chess, calling it "a gym for the mind." "Satranç bir akıl oyunu," she said, emphasizing strategy and confidence‑building. Local officials, including MP Bünyamin Bozgeyik and Youth Services Director Numan Nafiz Şahin, praised the competition and wished participants success.
The tournament began after the mayor and guests made the opening move, followed by a commemorative photo session.