The African Junior Chess Championships: A Gateway to Excellence
The 35th edition of the African Junior Chess Championships (AJCC) is underway in Cairo, Egypt, from November 17 to 25, 2024. This prestigious continental event has been a key fixture in the chess calendar since its inception in 1980. The tournament showcases the rising stars of African chess, offering them a platform to test their skills and compete for top honours. One of the significant milestones in the history of the AJCC was in 2001 when Egypt’s Ahmed Adly became the first African player to win the African Junior Chess Championship. He went on to achieve global success by becoming the first African to win the World Junior Chess Championship, a title that cemented his place in chess history.
Image: GM Ahmed Adly
In 2022, South African player International Master Jan Karsten etched his name in the history books by winning the African Junior Chess Championship in Bejaia, Algeria. Scoring an impressive 6.5 points out of nine rounds, Karsten clinched his maiden title at just 14 years old, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. His victory earned him the International Master (IM) title, a Grandmaster (GM) norm, and a spot at the 2023 World Junior Chess Championship, marking a milestone moment in African chess.
Image: IM Jan Karsten
The AJCC is not only a showcase of junior talent but also serves as a qualifying event for the World Junior Chess Championships which takes place in Durres, Albania from 30 September to 13 October 2025.
The AJCC is an important event for young players, providing opportunities to progress through the ranks of international chess. The tournament is a milestone for those like Natasha and Waylon who are aiming to join the ranks of grandmasters and other elite chess players. For the Cape Town Chess Federation, the AJCC represents a crucial opportunity to nurture and showcase some of the most promising young talents in the region.
OUR PLAYERS
At just 18 years old, Natasha Joubert is a talented player who represents the Cape Town Chess Federation with pride. Having received her Woman Candidate Master title in 2013, Natasha has shown remarkable growth throughout her chess career. In 2024, her FIDE standard rating has surged from 1436 in January to 1708 by November, marking a significant improvement. This peak rating reflects Natasha’s growing confidence and performance, particularly after an impressive series of games in 2024, with the most notable achievement being a rating increase from 1647 in July to 1708 in November. Natasha’s impressive consistency at the national level is evident in her tournament history, where she has excelled in competitions like the South African Junior Closed Chess Championship and the Western Cape Women’s Championship.
This year marks a critical moment for Natasha as she makes her debut in the African Junior Chess Championships. With a solid foundation of experience and a promising upward trajectory, we are excited to witness Natasha make her mark on the continental stage.
Another young talent from the Cape Town Chess Federation, Waylon Brander, a player to look out for. At 19 years old, Waylon has shown incredible growth, with his rating rising from 1663 in February 2022 to 1926 in November 2024 – a remarkable 263-point increase. His standout year was 2024, with a massive rise in performance resulting in his highest rating to date in November, after an active month of 24 games. Waylon’s tournament history includes strong performances in key events like the South African Junior Closed Chess Championship and the Cape Town Chess Federation League, where he has consistently competed at a high level.
Waylon’s journey is a testament to his dedication and drive, and his participation in the AJCC is another step towards establishing himself as one of Africa’s premier young chess players.
Lets Back Our Players!
The AJCC is not just a tournament; it’s a springboard for the future of African chess. As young players like Natasha Joubert and Waylon Brander compete for victory, they represent the potential for Africa to produce more world-class chess talent, with the Cape Town Chess Federation playing a pivotal role in this exciting journey.
