The 2026 Namibia National Closed Chess Championships concluded last Sunday in Windhoek, crowning ten national champions who will represent Namibia at the upcoming Chess Olympiad later this year.
The competition featured the open, women’s and B sections, with more than 20 participants competing for national honours and a place on the national team.
In the open section, Dante Beukes claimed the title. The International master (IM) last won the championship in 2021, then took a break from the national tournament. Joining him on the national team are FIDE master (FM) Heskiel Ndahangwapo, Simon Shidolo, Candidate master (CM) Charles Eichab and Bernhard Schwarz.
Beukes said he was pleased with his performance, having scored eight points from nine matches, although he believes there is still room for improvement.
“I am very happy to have won after such a long break from playing the National Championship. It feels just as sweet as when I won for the first time in 2017 at the age of 14,” he said.
“I still want to improve and keep pushing for greater heights. I’m hoping to play in several international tournaments this coming year. It’s just a matter of planning the trips as well as my training regime.”
In the women’s section, Lutopu Khoa secured first place, followed by Helvi Shuudifonya, Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Jamie-Nicole Beukes, WCM Jolly-Joice Nepando and 11-year-old Shadah Uanguta, who also earned a place on the national team.
Khoa described the matches as tough, with players arriving well prepared and battling for long periods over the board.
“My toughest opponent was Shadah Uanguta. I was most nervous to play her because she is a very solid player for her age and very good at capitalising on any mistakes her opponents make. But I’m glad I was still able to win that game and eventually the tournament,” she said.
In the B section, Pomwene Haipinge claimed victory and automatically qualified for next year’s National Closed Chess Championship.
The championship served as an important platform for Namibia’s top chess talent to compete at the highest national level and to prepare the selected players for international competitions.