The Leominster Chess Club Championship is the highlight of our club calendar. It is our premier annual competition, bringing together players of all ages and abilities to compete for the title of Club Champion.
Tournament Format
The championship is held annually, running from Autumn through to the end of the calendar year.
The tournament typically kicks off in early October and follows a thrilling two-stage format:
- The Swiss Stage: The first weeks consist of a “Swiss system” or “Round Robin” section. This ensures everyone gets plenty of games against different opponents, with points awarded for wins and draws.
- The Knockout Stage: The top-performing players from the Swiss stage advance to the high-stakes knockout rounds. This culminates in the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals in November, leading to the Grand Final in early December.
The winner is officially crowned just before the club breaks for the festive period.
Current Champions
We are proud to celebrate the skill and sportsmanship of our reigning champions:
- Club Champion: Stephen Priestley
- Junior Champion: Alexander Adarski
In addition to his club title, our current champion Stephen Priestley also represents the high standard of chess in our town as the reigning Herefordshire County Champion.
Play For the Legacy
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a rising junior, the Championship is open to all club members. It’s a fantastic opportunity to play competitive “over-the-board” chess in a friendly, community-focused environment.
For those who prefer a more relaxed evening, normal club nights always run alongside the championship, so there is still plenty of space for casual games and friendly play for those not participating in the tournament.