The Exciting Highlights of the 2024 Las Vegas Chess Festival

The Las Vegas Chess Festival Draws Thousands of Players for Annual Tournament

Every June, Las Vegas becomes a hotspot for chess enthusiasts from around the world. The Las Vegas Chess Festival, held at the Flamingo Hotel and Resort, is not your typical Vegas event. Instead of slot machines and poker tables, the festival attracts thousands of players eager to test their skills on the chessboard.

This year’s tournament featured over 20 Grandmasters, including top seeds GM Varuzhan Akobian, GM Vasif Durarbayli, and defending champion GM Illya Nyzhnyk. However, it was IM Ryo Chen who stole the spotlight in the early rounds, showcasing his attacking prowess and nearly securing a Grandmaster norm.

While Chen’s performance was impressive, it was ultimately GM Vasif Durarbayli who emerged victorious, scoring key wins in the later rounds to take clear first. GMs Illya Nyzhnyk and Daniel Fernandez tied for second place, alongside IM Rahul Peddi.

In addition to the main tournament, the festival also featured side events such as the Walter Browne Blitz, where GM Robby Kevlishvili dominated the competition. The National Women’s Open saw WCM Avery Yu and WFM Olivia Smith sharing top honors with perfect scores.

Whether players come for the intense competition or simply to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the festival, the Las Vegas Chess Festival continues to be a must-play event for chess enthusiasts of all levels. With special guests, lessons, and a variety of side events, the festival offers something for everyone, making it one of the most engaging tournaments of the year.