Jamwaktu.com – In a historic moment for the sport that combines chess strategy and physical endurance, Zyon Kollen became world champion at the 2025 World Diving Chess Championships in Groningen, Netherlands. In the biggest event in the history of this unique sport, the Dutch chess player dominated, closing the tournament with a perfect score and securing the highly coveted title in underwater chess.

The World Diving Chess Championship is one of the most challenging formats ever introduced to the world of strategy sports. This sport, combining classic chess with diving and breath-holding skills, requires players to think quickly and endure both physical and mental pressure. Every move is decided after diving onto a magnetic board at the bottom of the pool, making each match a tremendous test of endurance.
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The 2025 tournament in Groningen, part of the Chess Festival Groningen, attracted global attention as it was the largest-ever edition of the sport since its inception. Participation was limited to a maximum of 40 players due to the limited availability of a special chessboard designed for underwater play, but the competition was still filled with talent from various countries and ages, ranging from 10-year-olds to experienced players.

Zyon Kollen Dominates the Field

Kollen, a previous Dutch national Diving Chess champion, performed brilliantly throughout the six rounds of the competition. He won all five of his first games and entered the final round with a 5–0 record, needing only a draw in the sixth round to secure his title. With a well-thought-out strategy and impressive breath control, he secured the required draw, securing the first world championship title of his Diving Chess career.
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Kollen’s achievement was not only a testament to his strategic excellence, but also to his extraordinary physical endurance in conditions that combined brainpower and underwater sports. In a post-championship interview, Kollen stated that this victory was one of the most important achievements of his life and that he planned to return to Groningen next year to defend his world title.

A Growing and Diverse Competition

Behind Kollen, chess player Jurrian de Graaf secured second place with a strong record, while Michel Timmer secured third place. Furthermore, the event also recognized the world women’s champion, 17-year-old Josephine Damen, who displayed an outstanding performance despite being one of the youngest participants in the competition.

The participation of players from various age groups, including three 10-year-olds, demonstrates the sport’s global appeal to players from diverse backgrounds. The innovative underwater chess format tests not only thinking skills but also stamina, courage, and the participants’ ability to adapt to unconventional conditions.

The Origins and Growth of the Sport

Diving Chess itself was invented by American chess master Etan Ilfeld, with a magnetic chessboard design and weighted pieces to maintain stability underwater. The goal of the sport was to create a new challenge for chess players who wanted to test their skills in an environment completely different from a traditional chessboard.

Since its introduction, the sport has steadily grown within the global chess community, attracting both professionals and amateurs seeking a unique experience. The World Diving Chess Championships have grown in popularity each year, with the 2025 edition in Groningen setting a record for participation.

Impact and Future of Diving Chess

Kollen’s victory was warmly welcomed by the global Diving Chess community. Many observers stated that the 2025 edition marked an inflection point for the sport, transforming it from a niche phenomenon into a major international event worthy of recognition on the competitive calendar of strategy and mixed sports.

Furthermore, the increased international media attention to the championships demonstrates that a sport combining intellectual and physical skills like Diving Chess has the potential to grow even further, challenging the traditional boundaries of sports and games.