Young Grandmaster Brewington Hardaway Makes History in Abu Dhabi Chess

Abu Dhabi has become a home for global competitions, and chess is no exception. The 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival this year made history with more than 3,000 players from 84 countries taking part.

The event was a mix of skill, drama, and talent. But the biggest story came from 16-year-old American chess star Brewington Hardaway. He became the first African American grandmaster to win the Abu Dhabi Open category, a victory that marks a huge milestone for chess and for diversity in the sport.

Brewington Hardaway’s Big Win

Hardaway played 11 rounds against some of the strongest chess players in the world. Out of those, he won nine games and drew two, staying undefeated throughout the competition.

His win was even more impressive because the Open category had more than 700 players from 52 countries. It is one of the most competitive divisions in the entire festival.

At only 16 years old, Hardaway has already achieved something many chess players dream of. He is not only the youngest African American grandmaster but now also a champion on UAE soil. This makes his victory historic and inspirational for young chess players everywhere.

Abu Dhabi as a Global Chess Hub

The Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival has grown into one of the world’s biggest chess events. With 3,000 participants across 27 tournaments, this year’s edition broke all records.

The UAE has been hosting global sports and cultural events for years, from Formula 1 to world championships in many games. Chess has now become an important part of that journey. The festival attracts not just elite grandmasters but also beginners, youth players, and women competitors, creating a true celebration of the game.

By hosting such events, the UAE shows its commitment to promoting talent, building global connections, and encouraging cultural exchange.

Hardaway’s Journey to Grandmaster Title

Hardaway’s journey to becoming a grandmaster is filled with dedication and talent. He developed his skills at a young age and quickly made a name for himself in the chess community. His style of play combines creative ideas with sharp calculations, which often surprises his opponents.

Reaching the rank of grandmaster is one of the toughest achievements in chess. For Hardaway, it carried even greater meaning he became the first African American player to earn this title. Winning in Abu Dhabi now adds another historic chapter to his story.

This victory is not only about personal success. It is about inspiring future generations to believe that chess is for everyone, no matter their background.

Dramatic Matches and Surprising Results

While Hardaway’s win was the headline, many other players created memorable stories at the festival.

One of them was Israeli International Master Benny Aizenberg. He started in 44th place but climbed all the way to second overall. His performance included wins against top grandmasters from China and Armenia, proving that persistence can change everything.

There was also controversy. Iranian grandmaster Sina Mohaved, just 14 years old, forfeited his match against Aizenberg. This followed a long-standing policy by Iran where players avoid competing against Israeli opponents. Incidents like these show how chess sometimes intersects with politics on the global stage

Women’s Division: Mae Frayna’s Impressive Run

The women’s division had its own star. Filipino Women Grandmaster Mae Frayna finished undefeated, winning most of her matches and drawing only twice. With 8 points in nine rounds, she secured the championship.

Her performance highlights the growing strength of women in chess, especially in Asia and the Middle East. Hosting such inclusive events shows the UAE’s vision of supporting diversity in sports and giving equal platforms to all players.

Rising Stars in the Youth Category

The Under-16 section was full of excitement. Iranian FIDE Master Barad Yeganegi surprised everyone by moving from eighth place to first. He earned an incredible 103 rating points in the process.

Yeganegi finished with 10 points, tied with his fellow countryman Radin Yadegar, who lost only one game the match against Yeganegi.

Romanian prodigy Edward Tudor took third place, though he faced setbacks, including a loss to Uzbek player Bezkod Jamvaev. The youth section showed how quickly rankings can change and how much new talent is rising around the world.

UAE’s Role in Chess and Cultural Diplomacy

The Abu Dhabi Chess Festival is not only about winning titles. It is also about bringing people together. With participants from 84 different countries, the festival is a symbol of unity, tolerance, and cultural exchange.

The UAE has made strong investments in promoting chess. Schools and clubs across the Emirates now include chess in their activities, helping young Emiratis prepare for international competitions. The country has also hosted several global chess championships, making it a trusted destination for the sport.

By supporting such events, the UAE strengthens its soft power and shows the world that it is a place where people of different cultures can meet, compete, and celebrate excellence together.

Chess Growing Worldwide and in the UAE

Chess has seen a huge rise in popularity around the world, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and shows like The Queen’s Gambit. Online platforms such as Chess.com and Twitch streaming made the game more exciting for young people.

The UAE has embraced this global trend. By hosting major festivals and supporting local talent, the country is ensuring that it becomes a key player in the international chess community. Emirati youth are also aiming to earn grandmaster titles in the future, inspired by the success of global stars like Brewington Hardaway.

Abu Dhabi Writes Another Historic Chapter in Chess

The 31st Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival was one of the most successful editions ever. It broke records with 3,000 participants from 84 nations and gave fans matches filled with drama, surprises, and inspiration.

Brewington Hardaway’s victory stood out as the highlight. At just 16, he not only became a champion but also made history as the first African American grandmaster to win this tournament. Alongside him, Mae Frayna, Benny Aizenberg, and young talents like Barad Yeganegi added their own unforgettable stories.

For the UAE, this festival was more than a sporting event. It was proof of the country’s vision to promote talent, host world-class competitions, and unite cultures through sports. Abu Dhabi has once again confirmed its place as one of the world’s great chess capitals.