Underwater Backgammon Excitement in Kyrenia: Wetgammon Draws Attention

The underwater backgammon competition Wetgammon was held on the second day of the 13th Merit Open International Backgammon Championship, organized in cooperation between Merit Park Hotel and the World Backgammon Federation (WBF). The championship is taking place in Kyrenia between 3 and 8 November 2026.

Participants dove underwater with diving equipment and faced each other on specially designed backgammon tables. The unusual setting gave the players a new experience and offered spectators colorful images.

Japanese player Masayuki "Mochy" Mochizuki also took part in the event. Mochizuki became the first Japanese player to win the World Backgammon Championship, which he did in 2009 in Monte Carlo, and he won the world title a second time in 2021. Mochizuki, who serves as president of the Japan Backgammon Association and BMAB, also works as a member of the World Backgammon Federation Board of Directors.

With more than 400 professional and amateur players from countries around the world taking part, the championship will continue at Merit Park Hotel until 8 November.