Poised to grow into a regular meeting point between Africa, Europe and beyond
GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen, Norway’s number two (after Magnus!) and 66th in the world, was the winner of the inaugural edition of the Sahel Chess Festival in Monastir, Tunisia, held 1–9 September 2025.
Johan-Sebastian Christiansen
Chess is gaining popularity globally. Plenty of official FIDE tournaments and invitational events keep the top players busy, but it is the open tournaments that provide opportunities for players from around the world to develop and reach the gateway to prestigious events. Europe abounds with established and newly emerging opens on the chess calendar, but they are not always accessible to players from faraway corners of the globe. Therefore, whenever a new tournament springs up on other continents, particularly in Africa, it is a cause for celebration.
In today’s fast-paced chess world, especially online, where blitz and rapid games dominate, the traditional approach of grinding through lines of opening theory can feel overwhelming, and even unnecessary. The real challenge? Striking the right balance in your opening preparation. How deep should you go? Where do you stop? This course is built on the timeless wisdom of my legendary coach, Chebanenko, who designed opening repertoires for his “lazy” students – not lazy in attitude, but smart in approach. His philosophy? Don’t memorise. Understand.
One such tournament is the Sahel Chess Festival, which recently took place in Monastir, Tunisia, from 1 to 9 September.
Monastir on the map of Tunisia
Monastir, a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean with powdery sandy beaches, boasts numerous historic landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Monastir, the Ribat – the oldest Islamic fortification built by Arab conquerors during the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb – and the Medina, the old walled town with cobbled streets and artisan shops. Several monuments throughout the city are dedicated to the famous Tunisian politician and statesman Habib Bourguiba (1903–2000), who was born in Monastir. His mausoleum and private residence are open to the public.
A postcard of Monastir
The city streets are lined with oleanders in full bloom, palm trees, giant aloe vera plants and cacti. It was the season of the cactus fruit, so market stalls overflowed with “prickly pears”, also known as “cactus figs” or “Indian figs” (a reference to Native American Indians). This juicy, sweet delicacy requires special care when cutting due to its sharp spines.
Cactus fruit
The Sahel is one of Tunisia’s six regions. It stretches along the eastern Mediterranean shore, where three tourist-jewel cities, Monastir, Sousse and Mahdia, are located close to one another.
The Monastir Marina
While the first edition was held in Monastir, the organizers intend for future editions to alternate between various sites in the Sahel region. Sousse, famous in chess history for the 1967 Interzonal, is a likely candidate to host the second edition of the event, tentatively scheduled for 21-28 June 2026.
The Logo of the Sahel Chess Festival
The organizers of the 1st Sahel Festival: (L-R) Chaher Miladi and Hassen Abdelali
As a first edition, the Sahel Chess Festival may not have impressed with its prize fund, but its importance lies in its spirit and potential for chess in this part of the world.
The Maghreb countries have a bustling and well-organized chess life, and among them Tunisia shines particularly brightly with active coaches, chess associations, clubs, academies and local tournaments. However, players are hungry for international events where they can test their skills, improve their ratings and, most importantly, gain a FIDE rating. It is widely felt that players from these regions are considerably underrated. In this light, events such as the Sahel Festival are of great significance.
The playing hall
The elegantly appointed playing hall in the four-star Amir Palace Hotel welcomed 263 players from 11 federations, a remarkable achievement for a first edition on a modest budget. This demonstrates the great appeal an international Open can generate among players in the region. As expected, most participants were Tunisians who travelled from different parts of the country.
A group photo of some of Tunisia’s young guns
A large contingent of Tunisian players came from the recently opened Smart Chess Academy in nearby Sousse. One of their brightest stars, 13-year-old Bilel Ben Hamida, won the C Open with an astounding 8½/9 and gained a whopping 184 rating points.
The winners of Open A and Open C with their trophies: GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen and Bilel Ben Hamida
Neighbouring countries also benefitted from having an international Open nearby. From Libya came 20 participants, while Algeria organized a bus to bring over 70 players and arbiters to Tunisia, led by Algerian Chess Federation Secretary Mrs. Karima Belkhedra.
A group photo of Algeria’s large delegation
Algerian national champions: Boulmes Ala Eddine (left), reigning champion, and Achour Mohamd Anis, former champion, at the closing ceremony
Mother and daughter: arbiter Lamia Lehalali (ALG) (left) and player Aya Keddah
Tunisia’s only GM, Amir Zaibi, receives his prize from Mrs. Karima Belkhedra, General Secretary of the Algerian Chess Federation
There were three Opens – A, B and C – based on Elo rating. Many young players, including a remarkable number of girls, entered the tournament unrated and emerged with their first FIDE rating, something that cannot happen if they only play among their fellow nationals.
“Girl power” was noticeable at the Sahel Festival
Unlike most tournaments that focus exclusively on youth, the Sahel Festival also gave special attention to seniors by introducing Open D for players aged +50.
Walid Ben Romdhane, winner of the +50 Open, recives his price from Johan-Sebastian
The Open A was reserved for players rated above 2000 Elo. The star of the tournament was GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen. While his opponents may not have matched his rating, he admitted: “It was not an easy ride. They are all hugely underrated and gave me a hard time”. Christiansen was the outright winner of both the Open and Blitz tournaments.
Open and Blitz winner GM Johan-Sebastian Christiansen
Johan-Sebastian scored 8½/9, conceding only one draw, to Boulmes Ala Eddine, the current Algerian national champion. Ala Eddine finished in fourth place and added 40 Elo points to his 2174 rating, earning the Candidate Master norm.
A fascinating figure climbing in the shadow of Magnus Carlsen, Johan-Sebastian Christiansen granted me an interview. We began on the sandy beach in front of the hotel; the interview is still in preparation and will hopefully be published on these pages soon.
Interview in the making: Diana Mihajlova and Johan-Sebastian Christiansen
IM Aleksandr Domalchuk-Jonasson from Iceland placed second in both the Open and Blitz tournaments.
IM Aleksandr Domalchuk-Jonasson
We are accustomed to seeing many Indian players at opens, but here there was only one: Om Batra. He has taken a more balanced approach to chess and life. First, he honoured his parents’ wishes by completing a Master’s degree in Commerce. As a reward, he was then allowed to dedicate time to his favourite pursuit, chess. Temporarily based in Europe, he has been playing extensively in opens. In just a few months, he accumulated nearly 200 Elo points and, with a rating of 2126, is determined not to return to India before earning at least the Candidate Master title.
Om Batra
A few days before the tournament ended, I met a crestfallen young Turkish player in the hotel lift with his parents, surrounded by luggage on their way to the airport. At just 12 years old, Eren Elci dreams of joining the rising wave of “young Turks”. Unfortunately, this tournament was not his lucky one – he had to forfeit two rounds due to minor health issues.
“Chess is Life”: Eren Elci with his family
FM Alexandra Zherebtsova from Russia flanked by GM Nebojsa Nikcevic (left) and FM Nebojsa Nikolic, all playing under the Montenegrin flag
(L-R) Algerian player and magician, Mohamed Bentaleb, GM Nebojsa Nikcevic (MNE) and IM Jose Maria Hernando Rodrigo (ESP) at the Habib Bourguiba Mausoleum
A homegrown force in the Open A was represented by titled players GM Amir Zaibi, IM Achraf Hbacha, FM Hamed Ben Ghanem and CMs Ahmed Bouzidi, Yacine Barbaria and Sahbi Taieb.
Home participants in the A Open: (from left) Ahmed Bouzidi, Yahia Chelly, Ahmed Zouaghi, and Taieb Sahbi
For Tunisia’s untitled players in the Open A, the chance to compete against much stronger international masters was a valuable experience.
One such case is Sadok Zenaidi, a clear example of how African players can benefit from international competitions on home turf. Starting as the 20th seed, he scored 5/9, climbed to 7th place and added 38 Elo points, breaking the 2000 barrier.
Sadok Zenaidi, a new Tunisian hope
When discussing Tunisia’s leading players, one name is unavoidable: the popular IM Njili Kamel, who has recently dedicated himself fully to training young talents, many of whom are already achieving notable successes. Several rising stars have honed their skills under his guidance. At the recent Arab Youth Chess Championship (July 2025, Morocco), three of his pupils reached the podium in their respective categories.
IM Njili Kamel and his champions: Mendil Jahed (U10), Benzarti Thabet (U12) and Dimassi Yahia (U8)
The best female player in Group B, WFM Amen Miladi, is also one of Njili’s students. She is a multiple-time winner of national women’s championships and a member of Tunisia’s National Women’s Team.
WFM Amen Miladi
Eager young participants attended the simultaneous exhibition given by Montenegrin GM Nebojsa Nikcevic
The tournament concluded with the prize-giving ceremony, and what better way to wrap up than with a lively session of bughouse chess! (Clockwise from bottom left): Om Batra, Johan-Sebastian Christiansen, Ahmed Bouzidi and Aleksandr Domalchuk-Jonasson
The arbiters with their leader, Tuniasian IA Yossri Zakhama (front row, fourth from left)
As part of the Sahel Chess Festival, a FIDE Arbiters Seminar was held on 3–5 September, enabling participants to earn norms and FIDE Arbiter titles in accordance with official regulations.
The lecturer, IA Adnan Nesla (ALG), was assisted by IA Mohamed Ali Baktach (TUN). Both are International Arbiters, category B.
IAs Adnan Nesla and Mohamed Ali Baktach in front of the playing hall
The official venue, the Amir Palace Hotel, offers direct access to its private beach, large swimming pools, sports facilities, and all the amenities expected of a four-star hotel.
Hotel Amir Palace Monastir
September in Monastir marks the end of the high summer. While the harshest heat is fading, the weather remains pleasant, well above 30°C. While players may choose chess preparation over a dip in the sea, parents and accompanying guests can enjoy a true summer holiday.
Diana Mihajlova and Lydia Aimar Djihene enjoying the Mediterranean during a break from media duties
Chess Mall and Smart Chess Academy
A happy partnership between two relatively young chess establishments, both based in the neighbouring city of Sousse, formed the organizational core of the 1st Sahel Chess Festival.
The Chess Mall is a boutique specializing in chess and other board games. Their focus is on high-quality boards and pieces crafted from fine woods such as Padouk, Movingui, walnut and olive tree.
Olive tree chessboard
I can be forgiven for openly promoting their products, not only because they are genuinely valuable, but also because Chess Mall was the main sponsor of the Sahel Chess Festival!
Smart Chess Academy is a state-of-the-art centre for chess training and competitions. It is rapidly gaining popularity, with a growing student base and some of Tunisia’s best coaches.
After the tournament ended, Johan-Sebastian Christiansen and I enjoyed a pleasant day trip to Sousse, which included visits to both Chess Mall and Smart Chess Academy. Johan-Sebastian delighted the “smarties” of the Academy by giving a simul.
Johan-Sebastian Christiansen and Hassen Abdelali at the Chess Mall
Johan-Sebastian and Dhafer Ktita, Director of the Smart Chess Academy, trying out a Chess Mall’s playable chess table
Facing the Sicilian doesn’t have to be complicated. The Alapin Variation (1.e4 c5 2.c3) offers a simple yet highly effective solution to all major Sicilian lines, by sidestepping them with 2.c3. Whether your opponent plays the Najdorf, Taimanov, or Dragon, the Alapin lets you take control of the game as early as move two.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 2…g6
Students of the Academy and guests after the simul given by Johan-Sebastian Christiansen
Chess Mall and Smart Chess Academy will again join forces to organize the second edition of the Sahel Chess Festival, scheduled for 21-28 June 2026. With additional support from local and international sponsors, the festival has the potential to grow into a truly significant event – one that will not only promote chess but also showcase the beauty and culture of the region.
If the debut is any indication, this festival is poised to grow into a regular meeting point between Africa, Europe and beyond. For the international players, it is not only a tournament but also a gateway to discover Tunisia’s history, beaches and traditions. For chess fans, it is another reminder that the game continues to thrive in every corner of the world – from the familiar capitals of Europe to the welcoming shores of the Sahel.
The press and media team: Ramzi Chniter, Lydia Aimar Djihene and Diana Mihajlova
