The Sligo chess and culture festival is by far the best tournament that I have played in. If you are looking for a place that combines serious chess, the friendliest people, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture then this tournament will certainly not dissapoint you. No matter your playing level, 1200 or 2500, or as in…
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I have been playing chess tournaments in different parts of the world since my childhood and the Sligo event is the best chess tournament I have ever played in my life. The organization is superb with everything working to perfection. From the live streaming to the room conditions (ample space, absolute silence, wooden chess boards…
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I would say by far this is the most professional weekender I’ve been to. I’ve been to tournaments all over the world, in three different continents, and this is by far the nicest weekender I’ve ever seen. The players get treated with great respect, the conditions are lovely, the hotel was very nice, and everything’s really nice.
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My experience at Sligo Festival 2025 was excellent. First of all, it was a huge added value that all the games were streamed, allowing my clubmates in Spain and my Twitch followers around the world to follow my games live and support me throughout the event. I was impressed by how easy the organizers made…
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(The) Sligo Tournament should be the measuring stick on how to host chess tournaments in Ireland.
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First-class organisation, strict anti-cheating measures, and everyone on the committee was very helpful. Colm O’Muireagain was a pleasant and efficient arbiter. And of course, Craig DuBose ran the tournament so well and as the marketing promised, made everyone feel like a professional chess player.
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The best tournament in Ireland at present. Lots of little extras made it a great tournament… All fantastic. The reduced rate hotel rooms were also very much appreciated. Tournament and hotel staff were 10/10.
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The tournament was the most professional one we have attended in Ireland so far. The playing area was a pleasure to be in. Plenty of space and natural light. The name tags with the players country flag were a lovely touch with many taking them home as souvenirs. We absolutely loved the live boards and…
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(My favourite aspect of the tournament was) space, space and space! (Also,) The good organisation, name cards, timely pairings, multiple helpers (Sandra etc.), good arbiter, phone policy and how it was dealt with. Multiple prizes including ladies prizes and grading prizes.
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The most obvious thing was the very spacious playing area. I must empathize on this because I have been playing in so many tournaments where tables are long, having 4-5 boards each, and players are packed so tight that if you want to leave your seat during while your opponent is thinking, you are forced…
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(My favourite things were) …very well organised, time management, location, communication and so on. You guys absolutely nailed it! I haven’t seen a tournament like this before in Ireland.
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I liked pretty much everything, how the tournament was organized, in terms that it really makes every player, I believe, feel himself like a professional, all things related to that – the website, advertisements, that the games were covered, analyzed and commented live on Twitch, all the boards being live, all those small things, like…
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It was very accomodating to young players, everyone was made feel welcome. My 10 year old can often be nervous in new places, or if he doesnt know where I am but he was so comfortable and really felt looked after. It was wonderful.
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