Yaoundé, Cameroon — In the heart of Africa, under the golden skies of Yaoundé, the 2025 World Draughts Championship delivered more than a tournament — it became a celebration of excellence, unity, and the limitless potential of the human mind.
From June 5 to 23, forty athletes from over twenty nations took part in a competition that echoed the spirit of the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius — Faster, Higher, Stronger — not on a track or field, but across the silent and strategic landscape of the 100-square international draughts board.
As a long-standing member of AIMS, the FMJD (Fédération Mondiale du Jeu de Dames) continues to uphold the values of international sport, mental discipline, and global inclusion. In recent years, FMJD has made remarkable strides in development and expansion, especially across Africa and Asia, where the sport is growing at an unprecedented pace.
The Parade of Nations: Like the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, the championship began with a powerful display of international unity. Grandmasters from the Netherlands, Latvia, Russia, China, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and many others stood shoulder to shoulder — representing not only their federations but also their heritage and dreams.
The Battle for Gold: In the final rounds, two Dutch titans rose to the top: defending champion Jan Groenendijk and Jitse Slump, the rising star. Their battle culminated in a dramatic tie — and in a rare Olympic-style finish, Groenendijk retained his world title by the narrowest of margins: 139 to 138 on tie-break. Gold for Jan. Silver for Jitse.
The Veteran’s Bronze: Veteran Guntis Valneris of Latvia, a pillar of the sport for decades, claimed third place after a decisive playoff — a final flourish in a storied career that continues to inspire generations.
Africa’s Moment: Cameroon’s pride was personified in Jean Marc N’Djofang, the continent’s beloved champion. Though he narrowly missed the final due to tie-break calculations, his performance ignited crowds and inspired a new generation.
The continent’s breakthrough came through N’cho Joel Atse of Ivory Coast, who achieved 5th place — the highest finish ever by an African player in modern championship history.
A Global Flame: As the championship concluded, it became clear: this was not just a tournament, but a mental Olympics. It showcased the beauty of international competition and the power of the mind when tested at the highest level.
“Yaoundé has shown the world that draughts belongs on every continent, in every heart, and on the global stage. What we witnessed here was more than a championship — it was a celebration of unity, excellence, and the limitless potential of the human mind”, said Jacek Pawlicki, President of the FMJD, 2025.
Looking Ahead: The draughts world now turns its eyes to 2026, where Jitse Slump will officially challenge Jan Groenendijk for the world title in a head-to-head duel — a rematch worthy of Olympic-level anticipation. Until then, Yaoundé will be remembered not only as a remarkable host, but as a symbol — that the world’s most powerful competitions can happen wherever the dream burns bright.
