None of Cameroon’s nine representatives have advanced to the final stage of the 2025 World Draughts Championship, currently underway in Yaoundé. The group phase wrapped up with a dominant display by Dutch players, who secured nine of the twelve available slots for the final round.
The group phase of the 55th edition of the World Draughts Championship has come to a close at the Yaoundé Multipurpose Sports Complex, delivering a significant upset for the host nation—none of the nine Cameroonian representatives managed to qualify for the final stage of the global tournament. The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, June 5, brought together 40 of the world’s top draughts players from 16 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Despite the home advantage and strong representation, Cameroonian players failed to secure any of the top three spots in their respective groups—positions required to advance to the final phase.In contrast, Dutch players have once again demonstrated their dominance in the game, securing an overwhelming nine out of the twelve available slots for the final round, which begins Monday, June 16. Among them is the reigning World Champion, Jan Groenendijk, who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most formidable figures.
Africa’s hopes now rest on two players: Atse Joel, the 8-time national champion from Côte d’Ivoire, and Mukendi Reagan Lutete of the Democratic Republic of Congo, both of whom earned their places in the finals after strong performances in the group stages.
In Group A, Cameroonian Grandmaster Ndjofang Jean Marc was ranked 5th, ahead of his compatriots Bonguen Aristo and Foto Arnaud, who were ranked 8th and 9th respectively. In Group B, African champion Nga Calvin Landry took 4th position, ahead of Ngankou Gerard, who finished 7th. In Group C, Feuzeu Alain ranked 5th, while Kamdem Boris and GMI Kouogueu Koumou Léopold took 8th and 7th spots respectively. André Stephane came in 9th in the same group.
As the competition pauses briefly, attention shifts to a blitz tournament scheduled for Saturday, June 15. This fast-paced format is open to all players and is expected to offer a thrilling spectacle before the finals resume. The championship, being hosted by Cameroon for the first time since the competition’s inception over a century ago, is organised by the Cameroon Draughts Federation (FECADAMES) in collaboration with the World Draughts Federation (FMJD).
The event is being held under the distinguished patronage of President Paul Biya, with Sports and Physical Education Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi officially launching the tournament earlier this month.
With the finals on the horizon and the world’s best now set to battle for the ultimate crown, Cameroon’s exit marks a sobering moment for local fans—but also a chance for reflection and growth in a sport striving to gain deeper roots within the nation.
