Lagos is set to host Africa’s largest school chess tournament, ChessMasters, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Eko Hotel & Suites. The event will bring together more than 500 primary school pupils from over 100 schools across Lagos, offering over ₦5 million in prize money. The competition is open to children aged 6 to 11.
ChessMasters is a collaborative initiative involving Lagos-based KEY Academy, the nonprofit Chess in Slums Africa founded by Guinness World Record holder Tunde Onakoya and Eko Hotel & Suites.
Organisers described the tournament as more than a competition, positioning it as a platform to promote education, empowerment, and leadership among African children through chess.
“At KEY Academy, we believe learning should go beyond memorisation and test scores,” said Damilola Okonkwo, founder of KEY Academy. “ChessMasters reflects our mission to help young learners develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience skills essential for 21st-century success. By integrating chess into education, we’re shaping future leaders for Africa.”
The initiative is supported by several corporate sponsors, including Sterling Bank, 7Up, Mikano, Fidson Healthcare, Paga, and DyeLab adding credibility and momentum to the program.
KEY Academy, known for its innovative project-based learning approach, is also expanding its reach through digital teacher training, policy advocacy, and educational content development. ChessMasters marks a significant milestone in the academy’s vision to nurture a new generation of thinkers and leaders across the continent.
