Press release: 6th August 2017

Less than 15 days to the 4th Mindsports World Championships in Doha

6 headline events will take place: Chess, E-sports, Backgammon, Bridge, Scrabble and GO

With less than 15 days to the 4th Mindsports World Championships, event organiser Mindsports Academy is ramping up activities to host the competition in the Middle East in Doha, Qatarthis month.

The event which will be hosted by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), is inviting Qatar’s residents with an interest and passion wanting to take part in the event to register on www.msawc2017.com for any of the six headline events: Chess, Scrabble, E-sports, Backgammon, Bridge, and GO. The competition is open to adults and youth players of all abilities.

Scheduled to run between the 19th and 27th of August, the Championships will be held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC), the state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue located in one of the capital city’s liveliest districts. Mindsports enthusiasts of all levels, from beginner to professional, will be vying for their mindsport championship title.

The tournament will be overseen by experienced tournament directors including Jamie Kenmure (Chess), Chiva Tafazzoli (Backgammon), Shaikh Mohammad ISA and Saleh Ali Al Marri (Bridge) and Prashanthi Weerawardane (Scrabble).

Participants will have the chance to win prizes such as iPhone 7s and more and prize money from the $100,000+ USD prize pool. Prizes will also be given to the top Qatari in each event along with the top resident.

Mashal Shahbik, Director of Tourism Festivals and Events at QTA said, “We are very excited to be hosting the first edition of the Mindsports World Championships in the Middle East allowing sports enthusiasts from the world over to experience Qatar’s authentic tourism offering.” She added, “In working with MSA to host this event, we have been keen to offer residents the opportunity to be part of the international mindsports scene, with the added convenience of staying in Qatar.”

Dave Brannan, CEO of Mindsports Academy said: “We are thrilled to be organising this event with the QTA and the sponsors.” He added, “Mindsports is one of the fastest growing communities in the world and with so many activities taking place, there is something for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to get involved in and become part of the global mindsports community.”

The Marriott Marquis City Center Doha Hotel is the Official Championships Partner Hotel.

Full tournament details, a list of all the events and schedules and accommodation information are available at www.msawc2017.com

- END -

For more information, contact;Mindsports International (Ltd): info@mindsportsacademy.com

QTA’s Press Office: pressoffice@visitqatar.qa +974 4499 7248 or +974 6679 4292