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Text and photos by Alina L'Ami (click on images for high-res)
Although the co-winners wiped the field, the rest of us mere mortals did enjoy the atmosphere too. I can't forget the game I had against a 12-year-old boy who opposed fierce opposition, and the talk with his mom afterwards. He was unable to sleep the night before the game due to the thrill he felt facing a titled player.
Being passionate...
...pays off.
Similar excitement could be seen all around the venue, embodied particularly in the shape of the tournament organizer – Gilles Suez-Panama. How did he manage to juggle all the exigencies a successful tournament requires and play decent chess as well?!
“I am married to chess” Gilles (3rd from the right) explained, tongue in cheek. Quite a demanding and capricious wife...
Seems like nearly everyone loves chess on the island
In sync – the French GMs had their share of tough moments
In addition to the obvious sponsors, inspired by the whole Martinique atmosphere and after facing a top GM like Romain Edouard, the director of Chess Club Live suddenly decided to pump up the general prizes.
New youth prize categories had appeared, motivating the local talents further
Impulsive? Yes. Appreciated? Definitely. This is what Martinique does to people, it brings out the best in us. And Michael Mkpadi was unable to resist.
I am not quite sure what this island does to your brain but it is definitely good
If you would like playing in Martinique next year but don't quite fancy the multiple-rounds-a-day-scheme, the organizers have good news for you: one day – one round, so your spouse and family will have the pleasure of seeing you now and then. Because I assume nobody in their right state of mind will not join you to Eden.
And if you believe in magic, after a seven-and-a-half hour flight from Paris you'll walk around... Paris?! Although the region doesn't necessarily evoke thoughts of Louvre and Chanel No. 5, Martinique does a marvelous job in combining the elegance of France with everything you may love about the Caribbean. Just think about rewarding yourself after a rough game with confit de canard (wait, what?!) while a giant volcano is towering above...
Martinique has it all with its rich yet tumultuous cultural heritage
Diverse landscape
Top-notch culinary options. Michelin street food – arguably the best I ever had.
Sublime scenery
And absolutely lovely people
Martinique has become known as the island of revenants, those who always return
Et pourquoi pas?
