GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Hundreds of chess players from across Indonesia and overseas gathered in Gianyar on Sunday (May 10, 2026) for the Bali Open 2026 Rapid Chess Tournament, one of Bali’s largest chess events this year.
Held at the Krisna Oleh-Oleh Blangsinga complex in Blahbatuh, the one-day tournament attracted 416 participants ranging from school students to professional chess athletes. The event was organized by the Bali Chess Association (Percasi Bali) in collaboration with Krisna Oleh-Oleh.
The tournament also featured international competitors, including British Grand Master Astepen J Gordon, who competed directly against national and international players. Two International Masters also joined the open category competition.
Percasi Bali chairman I Nyoman Parta said the strong participation from students reflected growing interest in chess among younger generations in Bali.
“Playing chess regularly, especially using physical boards, can help children reduce dependency on gadgets and lower screen time,” Parta said during the opening ceremony.
According to organizers, 248 participants came from elementary, junior high, and senior high school categories, while 168 players competed in the general division. Participants traveled from 10 Indonesian provinces as well as several countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, and Ukraine.
Parta described chess as more than a competitive sport, saying it also helps develop logic, emotional control, and mental resilience.
“The basic principle of chess prioritizes logic over emotion. Chess players are usually calmer and better at managing stress,” he said.
The competition brought together players across multiple skill levels, from beginners to masters and grand masters. Dozens of Indonesian chess athletes also joined the tournament, adding to the overall level of competition.
Throughout the event, players of all ages were seen concentrating intensely over their matches, with some games lasting several hours. The presence of foreign players was also viewed as valuable exposure for young Balinese athletes competing against international opponents.
Beyond sports, organizers said the event was also expected to help promote tourism in Gianyar, particularly the Blangsinga area, while strengthening Bali’s reputation as a destination for international sporting events.
The organizers hope the Bali Open Rapid Chess Tournament can continue as an annual event and help produce future chess talents from Bali for national and international competitions.