Nairobi: Grandmaster Vojtech Plat of Slovakia emerged as the winner of the 2026 Mavens Open International Chess Championship, held in Kenya from March 19 to 22, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The tournament attracted players from 10 federations, including Angola, Hungary, India, Namibia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Slovakia, Uganda, Zambia, and host Kenya, underscoring its growing international appeal.
According to Kenya News Agency, a total of 157 players competed in the Open Section, including 11 titled players, while the Ladies Section featured 36 participants, six of them titled. The junior categories also drew strong participation, with 112 players in the Boys' section and 74 in the Girls' section. The Mavens Open Championship featured an overall prize fund of approximately Sh1.5 million, with nearly a third reserved for the Open section, the tournament's premier and most competitive category.
At the top of the field, GM Vojtech Plat faced a chase from a strong pack of titled players. Leading the pursuit was GM Attila Czebe of Hungary, followed closely by IM David Silva of Angola. The competition was further tightened by IM Arthur Ssegwanyi of Uganda, IM Dante Beukes of Namibia, and FM Haruna Nsubuga of Uganda, as defending champion CM Gong Thon Gong of South Sudan also returned, determined to hold on to his title. At the home front, Kenya's 'killer squad' was spearheaded by reigning national champion FM Jadon Simiyu. He was joined by Hawi Kaloki and CM Ben Magana, as they looked to mount a strong challenge against the international field.
After eight rounds against a field of elite contenders, GM Vojtech Plat stamped his authority on the tournament, finishing with 7.5 points to clinch top honours. On his path to victory, GM Plat delivered commanding performances against some of the event's strongest players, including wins over GM Attila Czebe, FM Jadon Simiyu, and defending champion CM Gong Thon Gong. He also secured a crucial draw against IM Dante Beukes, further solidifying his lead. The dominant display saw GM Vojtech Plat emerge as the undisputed champion of one of Africa's most prestigious and lucrative chess tournaments, pocketing the top prize of USD 5,000 (Sh648,000).
Finishing second was GM Attila Czebe, who scored 7 points. Despite his only loss coming against the eventual champion, Czebe delivered an impressive campaign, defeating four FIDE Masters and outplaying IM Dante Beukes. His strong performance earned him Sh150,000 as runner-up. Uganda's Wasswa Mark Nyola secured third place after a solid showing that included six wins and one draw across the eight rounds. His efforts saw him take home Sh50,000 in prize money, capping off a commendable run in the tournament.
In the Ladies section, the field was largely dominated by Kenyan players, with only two participants representing Uganda, setting the stage for a highly competitive and locally charged contest. Leading the charge for top prize honours was the 2025 national champion and highest-rated player, WCM Jully Mutisya, alongside a strong lineup that included WFM Joyce Nyaruai, WFM Sasha Mongeli, WCM Juliet Asaba, and WCM Bella Naipae. With top talent evenly matched across the board, the section unfolded as a fierce, no-holds-barred battle, showcasing grit, precision, and competitive spirit in every round.
WFM Sasha Mongeli endured a difficult start to her campaign, suffering a first-round defeat to WCM Wanjiru Kimani. However, the setback proved to be a turning point. Fuelled by determination and a desire to make a statement, Mongeli staged a comeback, winning all her remaining seven games to surge to the top of the standings. Hot on her heels was WCM Bella Naipae, who finished tied on 6 points alongside Uganda's Olivia Asiimwe and WCM Juliet Asaba, underlining the intense competition in the Ladies section. WFM Sasha Mongeli was awarded Sh150,000 after an exceptional performance that saw her claim top honours in the Ladies' section of the tournament. Runner-up WCM Bella Naipae bagged Sh70,000, while Uganda's Olivia Asiimwe, who finished third, took home Sh30,000.