The 2025 Namibia Open Chess Championship recently wrapped up in Windhoek, gathering a diverse field of competitors, including international masters, seasoned campaigners, and promising young talents.
Organised by the Namibia Chess Federation (NCF) and sponsored by Bank Windhoek, the event attracted players from Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana, featuring Classical, Rapid, and Blitz formats with dedicated sections for women, juniors, and cadets (U12).
“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.
The Open Classical section, which was the main event of the tournament, drew top-rated players from across Southern Africa, producing high-quality, tense encounters that showcased players’ preparation.
Namibia’s International Master (IM) 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. 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, and rising star Helvi Shuudifonya placed third.
Namibia dominated the Junior Classical Section, with Mbahimwa Muundjua emerging as the winner, and Joel-Pahukeni Shigwedha and Shekupe Fidel taking second and third place, respectively.
Beukes described the Junior Open as highly dynamic and said 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. This section was won by Maximillian Tuombe from Zambia, followed by Namibia’s IM Dante Beukes and Botswana’s Keletshabile Monnaatsheko in third place.
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 section was won by Batista Beckham, while Boshoff Francis followed in second, and Binneman Francois Jacob Albertus won third place. The women’s Social Rapid Tournament was won by Katsvara Tanatswanashe, followed by Mouers Maryke in second and Boshoff Helen in third place.
The Cadet Classical Section was won by Namibia’s Johannes Christiaan Cronje, followed by Jacobs Carmen in second and Siremo Justin Josephovich in third place.
