Gjirokastër hosted “Chess Fest 2025,” featuring team championships, student competitions, Rapid, Blitz and many other events. From 16 to 23 November, the stone city enjoyed a vibrant week filled with masters, young talents and an energetic atmosphere.The festival brought back the magic of chess for an entire week. Around 200 players from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and beyond joined a rich sports program, with strong participation from children and youth.

“We continue to support sports development, including chess, with the shared goal of restoring Gjirokastër to the elite of Albanian sports,” said Mayor Flamur Golemi.

Team tournaments, school competitions, Rapid, Blitz and other activities showcased both mastery and new talent growing in local schools.

Young players benefited from the same spirit promoted through the “Art & Craft” and School Sports programs, which help shape the passions of the new generation.

During the festival, the Albanian Chess Federation and the Children’s Cultural Center organized a special chess contest for local students.

Under the guidance of chess master Kristaq Andoni, children learned more about the value and benefits of practicing this mind sport. The enthusiastic atmosphere showed how inspiring and beloved chess is for them.

In the heart of the stone city, the games, rivalry and passion of the players created a true festival of emotions.

“The young chess players of Gjirokastër gave us wonderful moments during ‘Gjirokastra Chess Fest’, an inspiring event that makes this sport even more beloved. It was a fantastic cooperation between the Albanian Chess Federation, the Children’s Cultural Center and master Kristaq Andoni,” said Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro.

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