A new era begins for chess in Greenland
Greenland witnessed a memorable turning point in its chess history on April 24-26, 2026. The country’s first official National Chess Championship was held online, bringing together players from across the island under one competitive banner for the first time. The event was played over seven rounds on Lichess and featured 10 participants. Given the harsh climate, vast geography, and long distances between settlements, the online format proved to be an especially smart and inclusive choice for making chess accessible nationwide.
After three days of hard-fought games, Egon Mattaaq of Upernavik Chess Club captured the first national title in Greenlandic chess history with an impressive 6/7. Hans Christian Dahl took the silver medal with 5/7, while Carl Fleischer finished third on 4/7. In that sense, the championship achieved more than just crowning a winner; it also demonstrated that competitive chess in Greenland can now develop on a stronger and more organized national foundation.
Mattaaq’s triumph is made even more remarkable by his personal story. The 24-year-old champion is self-taught and works night shifts as a fish packer. He represents Upernavik, a small town in northwestern Greenland located on an island of the same name, with a population of only 1,067 as of 2025. His success is a powerful reminder that chess talent is not confined to major urban centers; with dedication, curiosity, and opportunity, outstanding players can emerge from even the most remote communities.
The championship should also be seen as part of a broader process in the development of chess in Greenland. The national federation, Kalaallit Nunaanni Skakkertut Kattuffiat, was founded in 2014 with the aim of promoting the game and strengthening organized chess across the island. One of its biggest milestones came on September 24, 2024, when it was unanimously admitted as a full associated member of FIDE at the federation’s 100th anniversary congress in Budapest. Although Greenland has traditionally had a modest chess culture, recent years have brought fresh momentum through digital platforms, club-building efforts, and growing interest among young players. The first national championship now stands as the clearest symbol yet of that progress.