Underwater Chess: A Test of Mind and Endurance

Underwater Chess: A Test of Mind and Endurance

An underwater chess championship was held in the city of Groningen, Netherlands. This tournament is a unique combination of chess and diving. Participants play underwater using magnetic, heavy pieces and must make each move while holding their breath.

The competition brings together mental skill and physical endurance: after every move, players may surface only to take a breath. In this way, each game becomes not only a test of strategy but also a challenge of breath control.

This year, the men’s champion was Zyon Kollen, while the women’s title was won by 17-year-old Josefina Damen.