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VIDOR — The City of Vidor will be the host of the World Checkers Festival, inviting players from across the globe to compete in 11 days of checkers action at Vidor City Hall. The tournament is not only a competition but a cultural celebration. 

 

“Instead of a tournament, it’s a festival,” said Watson Franks, festival director, referee and competitor. “ We’ve been doing a tournament for about nine years and each year we’ve gotten a little bit bigger.”  

The 11-day festival will feature four major events:

 

1. An international match between the United States and South Africa (June 26–28),
2. The World Checkers Blitz Tournament (June 29),
3. The 2025 American Checker Federation National 3-Move Tournament (June 30–July 3), and
4. The 11-Man Ballot National and World Qualifying Tournament (July 4–6).

 

The festival has grown substantially over the years with the support of the city of Vidor and its local residents. The competition initially came to Vidor after the previous state and district director stepped down. Franks’ then saw an opportunity to bring the competition to Vidor. Since the community and the city have come to support players through sponsorships and even bringing food during the competition.

 

As part of the competition, a team-based match is played, with this year being Team USA vs Team South Africa. For South African players, the festival offers a rare opportunity to compete abroad. The games are also streamed abroad, allowing families in South Africa to cheer on their loved ones from home. 

 

“In South Africa, very poor people, but they loved checkers,” said Franks. 

 

The appeal of checkers is global but Frank believes that it has a special link to America due to its differences from chess. 

 

“Checkers is a simple game. You can order a child. You learn the rules, but it takes a lifetime to master,” said Franks. “ To me, checkers is a more American sport, a more family-oriented sport, because chess is about royalty. Chess is about sneaking up. Chess is about saving the king, it’s all about the king, give your life for the king. Checkers says every man can be a king. It’s not about one, but it’s about the team.”

 

While to some the game of checkers is more simplistic than chess, many of the competitors disagree and find the various formats interesting. At the end of the eleven days of action is the World Qualifying Tournament, where the winner will be scheduled for a 3-day match with the current World Champion.

 

The competition is set to end on July 6 with a closing award ceremony for all the winners.