ChessMasters is a major inter-school chess tournament held in Lagos, Nigeria, and is widely promoted as Africa’s largest school chess event. The competition was established to encourage young students to develop strategic thinking, concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills through the game of chess. Organized through a partnership involving KEY Academy and Eko Hotels & Suites, the event has quickly become one of the most prominent youth chess competitions on the African continent.

The inaugural edition of ChessMasters took place in 2025 and attracted more than 500 pupils from over 100 primary schools across Lagos. The tournament was designed for children between the ages of 6 and 11, providing them with an opportunity to compete in a structured environment while gaining valuable educational and personal-development benefits. The event also sought to demonstrate how chess can be used as a tool for academic growth and leadership development among young learners.

Building on the success of its first edition, ChessMasters expanded significantly in 2026. The tournament brought together approximately 750 pupils representing 150 schools, making it substantially larger than the previous year. Organizers also increased the prize fund to ₦10 million, reflecting the growing popularity and importance of the event. The competition received support from Chess in Slums Africa, a nonprofit organization known for promoting chess education and social development among children.

Beyond determining champions, ChessMasters focuses on nurturing qualities such as discipline, patience, resilience, and decision-making. Participants are encouraged to think critically under pressure, analyze complex situations, and develop confidence in their abilities. Teachers, parents, and organizers view the tournament as a platform that helps children acquire skills that extend far beyond the chessboard.

According to the internet