A USD$60,000 Prize Pool Awaits Competitors in This Free Online Echess Tournament!
Marking its 25th anniversary, the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club proudly announces The Echess Championship: The Road to Al Ain, powered by Checkmate Live. This exciting global tournament invites online chess enthusiasts and competitors worldwide to join a multi-stage competition that culminates in a high-stakes Grand Final in Al Ain, UAE, on December 22, 2024.
Join the World’s Most Accessible Chess Championship
Free Entry | $60,000 Total Prize Pool
Compete from home through online qualifiers and regional finals, with $35,000 in prizes distributed during the stages and an additional $25,000 for the top contenders in the Grand Final.
Grand Finalists Receive VIP Treatment
- International flights and five-star accommodation at the luxurious Danat Al Ain Resort
- Full meal coverage and the chance to compete in an unforgettable venue
Battle to Represent Your Region
The tournament is structured for accessibility and excitement, with qualifiers and finals organized across four regions:
- Americas (AM)
- Europe & Southern Africa (EAS)
- Middle East, North Africa & Turkey (MENTA)
- Asia & Oceania (AO)
Choose Your Path to Victory
With divisions tailored to all skill levels, The Road to Al Ain welcomes both rated and unrated players:
- Under 2000: Perfect for casual and up and comers
- Under 2300: Ideal for advanced club players
- Open Division: Face the best players in the world
- Play Up: Enter any division above your rating for an extra challenge
Innovative Redemption Games System
Missed qualifying? No problem! Our Redemption Games system lets players try multiple qualifiers and even enter higher divisions, creating thrilling “giant-killer” moments and second chances.
Prize Pool & Rewards
Compete for a share of the $60,000 USD prize pool, structured to reward players at every stage:
- $35,000 in Distributed Prizes: Win USDC payments, in-game rewards, and special bonuses for female players and top performers.
- $25,000 USD Grand Final Prize Pool:some text
- 1st Place: $12,500 USDC
- 2nd Place: $5,500 USDC
- 3rd Place: $3,000 USDC
- 4th Place: $2,000 USDC
- MVP & Redemption Bonuses: $2,000 USDC
Tournament Schedule and Structure
Week 1 – Under 2000 Qualifiers
- Saturday, Nov 23: Swiss Qualifiers 1, 2, 3, 4 – Top 4 players advance per qualifier
- Sunday, Nov 24: Swiss Qualifiers 5, 6, 7, 8 (Under 2300) – Top 4 players advance per qualifier
Week 2 – Open Division Qualifiers
- Saturday, Nov 30: Swiss Qualifiers 9, 10 – Top 8 players advance per qualifier
- Sunday, Dec 1: Swiss Qualifiers 11, 12 – Top 8 players advance per qualifier
Week 3 – Regional Finals
- Saturday, Dec 7: Regional Finals for 2 regions (Single Elimination)
- Sunday, Dec 8: Regional Finals for the remaining 2 regions (Single Elimination)some text
- Top player from each division per region advances to the Grand Final.
Weeks 4 – Travel Arrangements
Week 5 – Grand Final in Al Ain
- Sunday, Dec 22: Double Elimination tournament with the four regional champions
Why Compete?
- No Registration Fees: Free entry for all participants
- Flexibility & Fair Play: Compete in any division above your rating, with multiple chances to qualify
- Global Recognition: Represent your region in a prestigious international setting
- Significant Rewards: Win prizes at every stage
- Unique Experiences: A VIP trip to Al Ain for finalists, with professional accommodations and cultural immersion
Key Dates
- November 15: Registration open
- November 23-24 & November 30 - December 1: Online Qualifiers
- December 7-8: Regional Finals
- December 22: Grand Final in Al Ain
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 18+
- Passport: Valid passport with expiry beyond December 24, 2024
- Visa Requirements: Must meet UAE visa requirements
- Device Requirements: Players who qualify for the regional qualifiers must play from a PC with a webcam
How to Join
Register for each qualifier at Checkmate.live in the tournament section.
Simply select your division and time you want to play, and prepare to compete from the comfort of home.
Checkout the ruleset amd tournament requirements for a full breakdown of times, prizes and rules here.
About the Hosts
Founded in 1999, Al-Ain ACMG (Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club) has established itself as a powerhouse in the world of chess and mind sports. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan—President of the Asian Chess Federation and the Emirati Esports Federation—the club has grown into a key player on the international chess scene.
Recently crowned as the World Rapid Team Champions, Al-Ain ACMG is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary by inviting partners and players from around the globe to compete in a monumental knockout chess tournament. This high-stakes event will culminate in a live final in Al Ain, UAE, on December 22, 2024. The club’s strategic partnership with Checkmate Live, a next-generation broadcast and tournament platform, further solidifies its role in shaping the future of competitive chess, paving the way for the 2028 Chess Olympiad in Abu Dhabi.
Connect with Al-Ain ACMG
- Facebook: Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club
- Instagram: @alain_chess
- Twitter: @alainchess
Follow Al-Ain ACMG on social media for updates on events, tournaments, and club activities, and stay connected to the heart of competitive chess in the UAE.
Ruleset and More Information
Visit: https://playbook.checkmate.live/echess-rulesets/the-road-to-al-ain
Al Ain: The Cultural Heart of the UAE
Al Ain, an ancient oasis city with over four millennia of history, is integral to the UAE's heritage. Known as the Garden City for its lush palm groves and natural springs, Al Ain offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. As the birthplace of many members of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, including the nation's founding father, Sheikh Zayed, Al Ain is a fitting location for a tournament that unites cultural legacy with contemporary competition.
This vibrant city symbolizes the UAE’s ongoing journey of growth and excellence, providing opportunities for forward-thinking players to experience a captivating fusion of history and innovation. Hosting the championship here underscores Al Ain's role in shaping the future of chess and mind sports within a setting that celebrates the UAE’s rich cultural tapestry.