The Backgammon Association of Gibraltar’s national selection took part in the World Backgammon Federation’s (WBGF), 2025 World National Teams Championship last month in Kamena Vourla, a picturesque coastal town in Phthiotis, Greece. The event saw teams from 25 nations from across the world taking part.

This year was the first time that Gibraltar was represented in two categories, the main team event and the Women’s team event. It also saw the team achieve their best results to date. 

In similar fashion to other world sports team events, the preliminary round of the competition is drawn into groups. Gibraltar was drawn in particularly tough groups for both events. The main team faced Japan, UK, Norway, Romania and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The ladies faced, USA, Japan, Denmark, Germany, Georgia and Hungary. This year’s team comprised of Michael Pitaluga (Captain), Nadine Chipolina (Ladies Captain), Anastasia Antoniadi, William Danino, David Frier, Gilbert Licudi, Marcelle Licudi, Mike Nicholls and Natalie Passano. As a team they brought home 2 victories (Bosnia & Herzegovina and Hungary) and individually a whopping total of 17 wins: Michael 3, Nadine 3, David 3, Gilbert 2, William 2 and 1 win each from Anastasia, Marcelle, Mike and Natalie. Many other "touch and go" matches resulted in extremely close final scores, giving the team realistic hopes of returning with more wins in future.

By far the highlight of the competition for the team was bringing home the 2 team victories but proudly returning to Gibraltar for the first time with at least 1 win for all team players was exhilarating too. Deserving particular mention was Gilbert’s win against his Japanese opponent, Masayuki Mochizuki “Mochy”, Backgammon Super Grand Master and one of the world’s greatest players. Gilbert beat Mochy 11-0, a great feat. 

The Backgammon Association of Gibraltar is a well-established, active and respected member of the World Backgammon Federation. The Gibraltar Backgammon Team continues to learn and develop and although far from being leaders in the field, compared to other teams from larger nations like Japan, USA, France, Denmark, Germany to name a few, who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to playing and developing their game, team Gib are making a name for themselves by confidently persevering, participating amongst leading nations and slowly rising from being bottom of the board or being considered “a guaranteed win” by other teams. The WBGF 2025 World Championship results saw Gibraltar rank 20^th out of 25. They will continue to work hard and look forward to next year's world championship, due to be held in London.

The Backgammon Association of Gibraltar (BAG) is a registered leisure association, recognised by the GSLA. BAG currently meets on Wednesday evenings between September and June at Latinos Restaurant where they hold league sessions. They also organise ad-hoc events like the National Day and New Year tournaments. BAG wishes to thank the GSLA for all their support, especially when taking part in the World Championships and look forward to working with them to promote backgammon on the rock further. Plans are underway to include backgammon in this year’s GSLA summer activities programme for children. Any person interested in joining the BAG league, or anyone requiring more information should send an email to [email protected]