For the 130th year in a row, a Greater Victoria chess tournament will pit some of the best local players against each other for a chance at board game fame.
From Jan. 3 to 5, 2025, at the Commonweath Recreation Centre in Saanich, 50 chess aficionados will duel for prizes totalling $2,000, in addition to the Victoria Cup – a coveted trophy awarded to the most skillful competitor.
Roger Patterson, who ranks among the top 28,000 chess players globally, according to the International Chess Federation, is the pre-tournament favourite, having won the Victoria Cup five times. Despite Patterson's on-board finesse, several young and rising players are strong contenders.
Games will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Spectators can watch the competition for free.
