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BOURSE DE CASABLANCA
Morocco Chess Week A 3rd edition acclaimed worldwide. Over 1.5 million viewers tuned in to the tournament broadcast !
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God Glorify Him, Morocco Chess Week (MCW) is now a must-see event for chess enthusiasts. It is organized by Bourse de Casablanca, Casablanca Events & Animation and the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation.
This year coincided with the centenary of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) which selected Casablanca as the focal point of its celebrations in Africa, but also with the creation of the Casablanca variant, which inflamed the planet throughout the weekend. MCW has gained a global dimension with coverage in the international press (The Financial Times, The Guardian, El Pais, etc.).
The kickoff of the 3rd edition of the Morocco Chess Week took place on Friday, May 17, at the headquarters of Bourse de Casablanca, with the symbolic Ring the Bell ceremony. The event was attended by Mr. Chakib Benmoussa, Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports; Mr. Tarik Senhaji, CEO of Bourse de Casablanca; Mr. Mohamed Jouahri, CEO of Casablanca Events & Animation; Mr. Abdelmoumen Talib, Director of the Regional Academy of Education and Training of Casablanca-Settat (AREF); Mr. Arkady Dvorkovich, Chairman of the International Chess Federation (FIDE); Mrs. Bouchra Kadiri, Chairman of the Provisional Commission of the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation (FRME); as well as representatives from FIDE. The launch ceremony also featured the presence of international Grandmasters, prominent figures of this edition, along with officials from continental confederations.
Following the official opening of MCW 2024, a conference-debate on the theme "Chess in Africa" was held, moderated by Mrs. Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Vice Chairman of FIDE. This conference allowed for an exploration of the state of chess in Africa and highlighted its strengths and significant potential that can be unleashed on the continent.
Hundreds of enthusiasts gathered at the Arab League Park for celebratory events including the iconic Torch Relay, lit by Mr. Abdelatif Maâzouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, accompanied by Mr. Aziz Dadas, Governor of the Casablanca-Anfa District Prefecture. The Torch was then carried by several members of the international delegation. The chess enthusiasts later attended the « Simultaneous Exhibition of 100 » tournament, where the 100 best Moroccan players faced international grandmasters amidst the park's walkways.
The long-awaited Casablanca Chess tournament took place at the Mahkama du Pacha, bringing together the top players from four continents who competed for two consecutive days: Magnus Carlsen (Europe), Vishy Anand (Asia), Hikaru Nakamura (America), and Bassem Amin (Africa). Invented by Tarik Senhaji and the Grandmaster Hamdouchi, the Casablanca variant sparked great interest among chess enthusiasts worldwide, who praised its originality and strategic potential. Magnus Carlsen, the greatest player of all time, won this 1st edition, stating, « I would certainly like to try it again », while Hikaru Nakamura, the five-time US champion, told his 2.4 million YouTube subscribers that it's his « favorite event in years ».
Due to its immediate success, the Casablanca variant has entered and will remain in chess history, with international recognition and a lasting impact on the world of chess.
The Morocco Chess Week (MCW) was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Morocco and the richness of its cultural heritage on the international stage. The players competed in the magnificent setting of the Mahkama du Pacha in Casablanca, streamed live to viewers worldwide, before enjoying a dinner at Dar El Ala to experience Arab-Andalusian music, accompanied by their spouses in Moroccan caftans.
This festival also aimed to encourage national competitions and support the development of Moroccan talent with a prestigious national tournament held at the Mohamed V complex. Additionally, special importance is placed on school partnerships with the AREF of Casablanca-Settat, considering the strong synergies between education and this intellectual game. An event was organized at the AREF headquarters, with the winners of the interscholastic competition being awarded by Minister Chakib Benmoussa.
This festival was made possible thanks to the support and trust of several sponsors, led by OCP Group and CheckMate; as well as CDG Capital, Aradei Capital, Cash Plus, Les Eaux Minérales d’Oulmès, Menara Holding, Royal Air Maroc, along with Chess.com, Green Village, and Ineos.
Entreprise
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Bourse de casablanca
- Siège social : Angle Avenue des Forces Armées Royales et Rue Arrachid Mohamed , CASABLANCA
- Tel : +212522452627
- Web site : casablanca-bourse.com