Norwegian Grandmaster Johan-Sebastian Christiansen delivered a commanding performance at the inaugural Sahel Chess Festival, held in Monastir, Tunisia, from September 1 to 9, 2025. Competing against a diverse field of 263 players from 11 federations, Christiansen emerged victorious in both the Open A and Blitz tournaments, scoring an exceptional 8.5 out of 9 in each. His only draw came against Algeria’s national champion, Boulmes Ala Eddine, who finished fourth and earned a Candidate Master norm, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The festival took place at the scenic Amir Palace Hotel, offering a vibrant setting for one of North Africa’s most ambitious chess events to date. It featured four competitive sections tailored to different skill levels: Open A for players rated above 2000, Open B for those between 1700 and 2000, Open C for under-1700 players, and a rare Open D dedicated to seniors aged 55 and above. This inclusive format allowed for broad participation and showcased emerging talent across age groups and nationalities.
Local players made a strong impression, with 13-year-old Bilel Ben Hamida clinching the Open C title and gaining an impressive 184 rating points. Sadok Zenaidi broke the 2000-rating barrier in Open A, signaling his rise among Tunisia’s top contenders. The event also drew robust regional participation, including over 70 players from Algeria and 20 from Libya, alongside Tunisia’s elite competitors such as Grandmaster Amir Zaibi and International Master Achraf Hbacha. Their presence added depth and prestige to the tournament, reinforcing its status as a growing hub for competitive chess in Africa.
Christiansen’s triumph not only highlighted his elite skill and consistency but also underscored the increasing significance of international chess events on the continent. The Sahel Chess Festival provided a vital platform for local and regional players to gain experience, improve their ratings, and earn FIDE recognition. As Tunisia continues to invest in its chess infrastructure and host high-caliber tournaments, the success of this inaugural edition sets a promising precedent for future editions and affirms the country’s role in shaping the future of African chess.