In Panama, this year’s Chess Women’s Day Celebration was marked by a dynamic and forward-looking initiative that placed women firmly at the center – not only as players, but also as leaders, organizers, and role models.
As part of the global celebration, Ajedrez Creativo and the Metropolitan Chess Alliance organized the tournament “Reinas del tablero” (Queens of the Board), a women-focused event designed to promote participation, visibility, and leadership in chess.
The tournament brought together around 23 female players, competing in a 6-round Swiss format (Rapid 7+3), officially rated by FIDE. The atmosphere combined competitiveness with a strong sense of community, creating space for both performance and connection.
Women Leading Women
One of the most powerful aspects of Reinas del tablero was that it was entirely organized, directed, and officiated by women. This not only ensured representation, but also sent a clear and inspiring message about the important role women play across all areas of chess.
The event also fulfilled the requirements for a National Arbiter norm, supporting the development of new female arbiters and contributing to a more balanced and inclusive chess ecosystem.
Strong and Diverse Participation
The tournament featured a rich mix of experience and ambition:
- 4 titled players (2 WFM and 2 WCM)
- 3 Olympiad players, bringing valuable high-level experience
- Members of the national youth team, representing the next generation
- 4 new FIDE ID players, taking an important first step into the international chess community
This diversity added depth to the competition and created an encouraging environment for all participants.
More Than a Tournament
Before the games began, participants took part in an introductory activity, sharing their interests beyond chess. This small but meaningful moment helped build connections and a sense of camaraderie, reinforcing the human side of competition.
Technology and Visibility
With the use of DGT electronic boards, games were transmitted live, allowing a wider audience to follow the action. Increasing visibility is a key part of strengthening women’s chess, and initiatives like this help bring players and their stories to a broader stage.
A Model for Impact
“Queens of the Board” reflects many of the values at the heart of Chess Women’s Day – inclusion, development, leadership, and community. It shows how a well-designed event can go beyond competition, contributing to long-term growth and inspiration.
We sincerely thank the organizers and participants in Panama for sharing this initiative with us. Their dedication and vision continue to move the global chess community forward, creating more opportunities for girls and women to engage, compete, and lead in chess.
