Kenya’s formidable Equity Bank Chess Team is gearing up to conquer the global stage, heading to Goa, India, this weekend for the highly anticipated finals of the prestigious FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship.
Their journey to the pinnacle began with a dominant triumph in this year’s Kenya Bankers Association Interbank Games (chess discipline), followed by a gruelling two-month online knockout stage in October where they showcased unwavering resolve. As the reigning champions of the Kenya National Chess Premier League, Equity now braces for an epic showdown against corporate chess behemoths, including Microsoft, Google, JP Morgan, and Deloitte. The ultimate battle for corporate chess supremacy is set to unfold from November 14–16, 2025, in Goa, India.
Equity Chess Captain Njagi Kabugu exuded confidence as his squad prepared for the international arena. “It’s an immense honour to step onto this stage,” Kabugu declared. “Our global experience has prepared us for the colossal challenge ahead. We are locked in, determined to compete fiercely, showcase our unmatched resilience, and etch our nation’s name in the annals of chess history.”
Outplaying a field of over 30 top global corporations in the online qualification stage, Equity’s advance is a historic milestone for the East African side. They clawed their way to one of only eight coveted spots, earning their right to compete in the intense over-the-board finals of this elite corporate chess competition.
Benard Wanjala, President of Chess Kenya, hailed Equity Bank’s qualification as a moment of immense pride, not only for Kenya but for the entire African chess community.
“This proves, beyond doubt, that our players and institutions can not only compete but dominate on the global stage,” Wanjala asserted. “This monumental achievement will undoubtedly ignite a passion in more corporates to harness chess as a potent tool for strategic thinking and leadership development.”
Now in its thrilling second edition, the FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship brings together non-professional titans from top global organizations, all locked in a strategic battle for the coveted title of “The Smartest Company in the World.” This championship is a testament to strategic brilliance, unyielding resilience, and seamless teamwork.
Joran Aulin-Jansson, FIDE Vice President, echoed the excitement: “We are immensely proud to host some of the world’s most distinguished companies as they vie for the ultimate glory of FIDE World Corporate Champion and ‘The Smartest Company in the World’.”
Leading the charge in Goa will be Captain Njagi Kabugu, alongside the formidable lineup of Victor Ongono, Brian Ovita, Hubert Kimani, and Stephen Waweru.
Equity Bank’s presence in this year’s championship, hosted at the stunning Resort Rio in Goa, caps off an unparalleled season of exceptional performance. The bank’s chess squad has utterly dominated the Kenyan chess scene, clinching the Kenya National Chess Premier League title for an unprecedented three consecutive years and seizing three successive Interbank Games championships. Their trophy cabinet also gleams with top honours from major local and regional tournaments, including the Mombasa Open, Kitale Open, and Nairobi Open.
Nick Ongeri, Equity’s dynamic sports coordinator, passionately underscored the vital role sports play in fostering Equity’s culture of excellence. “The triumphs of the Equity Chess Team are a powerful testament to our deep-seated commitment to empowering our people to excel, compete with unwavering integrity, and unleash their full potential,” Ongeri declared. “Whether orchestrating brilliant moves on the chessboard, battling for victory on the football pitch, or striving for glory on the athletics track, our teams exemplify discipline, unwavering sportsmanship, and our foundational core values.”
The team’s stellar form was undeniably on full display at the Mombasa Open Tournament in October, where they magnificently retained their Best Corporate Team title. Equity’s Mark Waswa fought valiantly to secure the first runner-up position in the fiercely contested Open category, while Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Sasha Mongeli continued her breathtaking charge, clinching second in the Ladies category after an astounding performance featuring five wins and a solitary draw.
Since their inception in 2012, the Equity Chess Team has forged a legacy, transforming into one of Africa’s most dominant and decorated corporate chess forces. Their formidable record includes a staggering eight National League titles and a plethora of Interbank championships. They have consistently answered the call, representing Kenya with distinction at major continental and global showdowns, including the World Blitz and Rapid Chess Tournament (2025), the African Amateur Chess Championship (2022), and the Africa Clubs Continental Tournament in Egypt (2017).
As this championship-bound team fine-tunes its strategy for India, its inspiring journey continues to powerfully embody Equity’s unwavering belief in relentless excellence, ironclad discipline, and the thrill of intellectual competition, both across the chessboard and throughout the competitive business arena.
