Top 16 Teams Advance to Finals of Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship

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South Africa’s sharpest young chess minds prepare for national showdown

28 July 2025, Johannesburg – Following an intense day of online competition on Saturday 26 July, the top 16 high school chess teams from across South Africa have secured their place in the national finals of the 2025 Alexforbes Battle Boards Chess Championship, taking place on 9 August.

These finalists emerged from a pool of 62 schools representing all nine provinces. After a series of matches grouped into eight pools, the two highest-ranking teams from each pool advanced to the next round – earning their shot at the national title. In total, 1 470 online chess games were played on the day, reflecting the scale and momentum of this year’s tournament.

The top 16 qualifying schools are:

· Curro Durbanville High School, Western Cape

· Edenglen High School, Gauteng

· Fields College, North West

· Hoërskool Rustenburg, North West

· Jeppe High School for Boys, Gauteng

· Merrifield Preparatory School and College, Eastern Cape

· Northwood School, KwaZulu-Natal

· Northern Academy, Limpopo

· Paarl Boys’ High School, Western Cape

· Paarl Gimnasium, Western Cape

· Potchefstroom Gimnasium, North West

· Queen’s College Boys’ High School, Eastern Cape

· Randfontein High School, Gauteng

· SJ Van der Merwe Technical High School, Limpopo

· St John’s College, Gauteng

· Westville Boys’ High School, KwaZulu-Natal

Now in its second year, the Alexforbes Battle Boards championship has seen record participation, highlighting the growing popularity and strategic strength of school chess in South Africa. The fully online format ensures that schools from both urban and rural areas have equal opportunity to compete.

‘These learners have demonstrated exceptional focus, discipline and resilience under pressure,’ says Viresh Maharaj, Executive at Alexforbes. ‘We’re proud to be part of a platform that celebrates thinking as a form of excellence – and gives young people national visibility for it.’

Duitser Bosman, Tournament Director, adds: ‘The Alexforbes Battle Boards tournament is doing something remarkable: it is giving young people across the country a chance to shine based on their skill and strategy. It proves that excellence in thinking should be celebrated just as much as excellence on the sports field.’

The national finals on 9 August will determine the overall champion for 2025. Highlights and results will be shared on www.battleboards.co.za following the event.

Alexforbes encourages participating schools to share their chess journey and celebrations on social media using the hashtag #AlexforbesBattleBoards.

About Post Author

KWANELE NGOBESE

I am a media and communications professional with a focus on public relations and digital content. At After 12 Communications, I manage social media platforms and publish articles that inform, engage, and elevate the brand’s voice. Passionate about storytelling and digital engagement, I bring creativity, consistency, and strategy to every project I work on. Follow me on Twitter: @Kwanele_Coms

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