Tunisia held its first National Electronic Chess Tournament of 2026 this Sunday, marking a key step in the development of the discipline, initiative co-organized by the Tunisian Esports Federation and the Tunisian Chess Federation.

Bringing together some of the country’s top chess players, the event introduced a new competitive format that bridges traditional chess and modern esports, setting a strong foundation for future competitions in Tunisia and the region.

The tournament began with an open qualifying phase, where players from across Tunisia competed for a place in the final stage.

Following a highly competitive first phase, only six players advanced to the LAN finals, each earning their spot through strong performances, strategic depth, and consistency under pressure.

A High-stakes round-robin final

The final stage, held at the Tunisian Esports Federation facility, featured a round-robin format, requiring each of the six finalists to face every other competitor. This structure ensured a balanced and demanding competition, where every match carried significant weight.

Throughout the finals, players delivered high-level performances marked by deep calculation, tactical precision, and intense moments that kept the competition open until the final rounds.

At the end of a closely contested final stage, Mohamed Ali Boudriga emerged as the standout performer, securing the title of Tunisia’s first National Electronic Chess Champion of 2026.

His run was defined by consistency, composure, and creative decision-making, allowing him to outperform a strong field of competitors and claim a historic victory.

A New chapter for Chess and Esports in Tunisia

This edition represents a significant step forward in the development of esports in Tunisia, highlighting the potential of digital chess as a competitive discipline.

By combining the legacy of traditional chess with the reach and structure of esports, the tournament opens the door to new opportunities for players and establishes a foundation for future national and international competitions.

Following the success of this first edition, both the Tunisian Esports Federation and the Tunisian Chess Federation are expected to continue developing this initiative, with the ambition of making the National Electronic Chess Tournament a recurring event on the competitive calendar.

The full replay of the tournament finals is now available and can be viewed via the following link:

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