The Netherlands Held An “Underwater Chess” Competition Where Players Have To Play In A Pool

40 people submerged themselves underwater to compete for the title of the world’s best underwater chess player in the Netherlands.

The competition was held in Groningen on Dec. 29, 2025, with 40 participants, making it the largest event in the sport’s history.

Diving chess was created by American-born chess player and entrepreneur Etan Ilfeld.

The game is played entirely in the water, using weighted and magnetic boards placed on the pool floor.

The players must dive, think and make a move all in a single breath before resurfacing for air; when they come up, the opponent’s turn begins and they dive in turn.

This 2025 competition featured a wide range of participants, including three 10-year-old players, according to the Mind Sports Olympiad. 

Former Dutch champion Zyon Kollen won the men’s title, while 17-year-old Dutch player Josephine Damen was the top-scoring woman, securing the women’s championship. 

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