For about a week, the city of Gjirokastra has turned into the chess capital of Albania, hosting 200 participants from Albania and Kosovo.

The event has attracted great interest, featuring a variety of chess disciplines in which competitors can take part.

One of the main reasons behind the event is raising awareness about reducing young people’s dependence on electronic devices.

“This is a Festival of Championships, while more than half of the championships are taking place simultaneously in Gjirokastra. Here we will host the National Men’s Championship, the National Women’s Championship, the All-Albanian Blitz and Rapid Championships, a competition for students from Gjirokastra’s schools, as well as a chess simul with the most distinguished masters of this sport,” says Kristaq Andoni.

“Athletes and chess players from Kosovo are always eager to participate in tournaments like this all-Albanian event held in Gjirokastra, and they will certainly be present throughout the weekend,” says Fatmir Gërguri.

“I’m very pleased to see chess growing in this way, bringing together children and enthusiasts from different regions. For the fourth year in a row, team championships are being held in different cities such as Saranda, Vlora, and now Gjirokastra. I really like this kind of expansion,” says Albania’s national chess champion, Eglantina Shabanaj.

“It is a great thing for all of Gjirokastra that we managed to bring the National Chess Championship here. It is a celebration for our city,” says chess player Armando Çani.

Gjirokastra has always been a city passionate about chess, producing many prominent figures and well-known champions over the years.