Zyon Kollen dives to victory at World Diving Chess Championships in Groningen

by Press release
1/1/2026 – Dutch FM Zyon Kollen won his first World Diving Chess Championship title in Groningen, emerging on top at the largest edition of the event to date. Entering the final round with a perfect score, he secured the crown with a quick draw. The oversubscribed tournament brought together a diverse field across ages and experience, underlining the growing appeal of this hybrid discipline that blends classical chess with underwater endurance and breath control. | Photo: Oscar Bos / Etan Ilfeld
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World Diving Chess Championships 2025

By Etan Ilfeld

Dutch FM Zyon Kollen claimed his first World Diving Chess Championship title in Groningen on Sunday, triumphing at the 2025 edition of the event - the largest in the sport's history.

The 30-year-old entered the sixth and final round with a perfect 5–0 score, needing only a draw to secure the title, which he achieved swiftly. A former Dutch Diving Chess Champion, Kollen said he is eager to return next year to defend his world crown.

Jurrian de Graaf finished second, with Michel Timmer taking third place.

The championships were oversubscribed and capped at 40 competitors due to the limited availability of custom-built underwater chessboards. All players competed in a single open tournament.

A separate Women's World Championship title was awarded to 17-year-old Josephine Damen as the highest-placed female competitor. The field highlighted the sport's broad appeal, with three ten-year-olds competing alongside seasoned veterans.

World Diving Chess Championships

Photo: Oscar Bos / Etan Ilfeld

World Diving Chess Championships

Photo: Oscar Bos / Etan Ilfeld

Diving Chess is a hybrid sport, combining traditional chess with underwater swimming. Players repeatedly dive to a submerged magnetic chessboard to make their moves, holding their breath before resurfacing. The result is a high-pressure contest of strategy, stamina, and nerve, played in cold water with fogged goggles.

The sport was invented by American chess master Etan Ilfeld and uses weighted, magnetised pieces to keep the board intact underwater. Each move is dictated not only by calculation, but by breath control - turning every game into a battle against both an opponent and oxygen.

Featured by major international outlets including BBC and Reuters.

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