The 2025 Namibia Open Chess Championships recently brought together a vibrant mix of international masters, seasoned campaigners and promising young talents in Windhoek. As one of the premier events on the Namibian chess calendar, the event is organised by the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) and sponsored by Bank Windhoek.
“This edition is remembered as one of the strongest and most competitive Namibia Opens to date, filled with surprises, intense rivalries and inspiring stories of resilience and emerging brilliance,” said NCF President, Berdian Beukes.
He said the event attracted players from Namibia, Zambia and Botswana and featured Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats with dedicated sections for women, juniors, and cadets (U12).
The Open Classical section was the tournament’s main event, which drew top-rated players from across Southern Africa. Each round produced high-quality, tense encounters that showcased players’ preparation.
Namibia’s International Master Dante Beukes dominated the field, demonstrating calm precision and strategic depth. His victory reinforced his status as Namibia’s leading classical player and delivered a proud moment for the country.
Cornelius Masikini from Zambia impressed with fearless, tactical play, finishing second, while Veteran Kelvin Chumfwa from Zambia, a seasoned Olympiad player and 2024 Zone 4.5 (SADC) Champion, claimed third place through sharp tactical play and creative strategies.
The Women’s Closed Section showed resilience, tactical skill and the emergence of new talent. The final standings reflected women's chess's competitiveness and growing depth in Namibia.
Veteran Jolly Nepando returned to the top in first place, leveraging her experience to navigate sharp positions and consistently convert small advantages. Kamutuaa Tjatindi displayed
determination and grit, securing second place through well-fought games against a strong field. In third place, rising star Helvi Shuudifonya signalled the arrival of a promising new generation of women players.
Beukes described the Junior Open as highly dynamic and that participants demonstrated creativity and competitive spirit. “The section produced exciting games and learning opportunities for young players while confirming that Namibia has a deep pool of emerging talent, capable of challenging established players in the future,” he said.
The tournament also featured a Blitz Championship, which showcased fast-paced chess, emphasising quick calculation and intuition. Although only two Namibians, Dante Beukes and Sibusiso Angula, reached the top eight, the Blitz section underscored the international competitiveness of the event and highlighted the high standard of Blitz chess in the region.
The Social Rapid Tournament was a highlight for young and emerging players, providing a fun, fast-paced and competitive environment. It allowed cadets and social players to experience the intensity of tournament play while fostering camaraderie, learning and a love for chess.
The following are confirmed tournament winners in each section:
Open Classical Section
First place– Dante Beukes (Namibia)
Second place – Cornelius Masikini (Zambia)
Third place – Kelvin Chumfwa (Zambia)
Women’s Classical Section
First place– WCM Jolly Nepando (Namibia)
Second place– Tjatindi Kamutuaa (Namibia)
Third place – Helvi Shuudifonya (Namibia)
Junior Classical Section
First place– Mbahimwa Muundjua (Namibia)
Second place– Joel-Pahukeni Shigwedha (Namibia)
Third place – Shekupe Fidel (Namibia)
Cadet Classical Section
First place– Johannes Christiaan Cronje (Namibia)
Second place– Jacobs Carmen (Namibia)
Third place – Siremo Justin Josephovich (Namibia)
Blitz Section
First place– Maximillian Tuombe (Zambia)
Second place– IM Dante Beukes (Namibia)
Third place – Keletshabile Monnaatsheko (Botswana)
Social Rapid Open
First place– Batista Beckham
Second place– Boshoff Francis
Third place – Binneman Francois Jacob Albertus
Social Rapid Women
First place– Katsvara Tanatswanashe
Second place– Mouers Maryke
Third place – Boshoff Helen
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