«The 1st Armenian Grand Prix 2025 will mark the beginning of a great tradition of friendship and sporting unity»
Tatyana Komarova, President of the International Backgammon Federation, on the upcoming Armenian Grand Prix (August 27–31, 2025)
— You already have successful experience in hosting major official backgammon tournaments with up to 300 participants. How will this help in holding the first international competition under the auspices of the IBF?
— Yes, in recent years we have gained valuable experience in organizing large-scale events, and now we want to raise the bar even higher. The Armenian Grand Prix will be a true demonstration of how to take international tournaments to the next level. We will do everything to be remembered for flawless organization, attention to every detail, and care for each participant. The goal of the IBF is to ensure that players focus solely on the game, while everything else is made as comfortable and well thought-out as possible.
— What is the uniqueness and significance of the upcoming tournament?
— The Armenian Grand Prix marks a new stage in the development of international backgammon competitions — for the first time, it will not be limited to short-format disciplines, but will also gather masters of longgammon. The tournament will unite participants from all over the world, and Yerevan will become an arena where different schools, styles, and traditions meet. It will have everything: a high level of players, a serious added prize money and the atmosphere of a major sporting event. It’s not just another competition — it is an opportunity to show that backgammon can stand alongside the world’s leading sports.
— What are your expectations for the upcoming tournament, and what will make it memorable?
— As of today, representatives from Armenia, Russia, Georgia, Australia, Turkey, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries have already registered. This shows that interest in the tournament is truly high. The additional prize fund of $50,000 will serve as a strong motivation for the players. But for us, the main goal is that these competitions contribute to the development and popularization of backgammon and help unite people from different countries and cultures. We want the Armenian Grand Prix to mark the beginning of a great tradition of friendship and sporting unity in the world of backgammon.
— To what extent can the Armenian Grand Prix be compared to the recent World Championship in Monte Carlo?
— The World Championship in Monte Carlo is an event with a long history, attracting hundreds of players year after year. The Armenian Grand Prix is a debut tournament, which I am confident will become one of the key international events on the calendar. In terms of the lineup and organizational level, Yerevan is already ready to compete with the world’s leading venues. We all strive to bring backgammon into the ranks of the leading mind sports, so we will continue to grow and improve the quality of tournaments together.
— What would you like to say to the players and fans who are planning to come to Yerevan?
— I want every participant and guest to feel the atmosphere of a true international sports celebration. For the players, it is a chance to compete against the strongest opponents from around the globe. For the spectators, it is the opportunity to witness history in the making, as new stars are born. And for us, the organizers, it is a step toward building a united global backgammon community. Come, play, connect — and let’s make this tournament unforgettable together!
