Ozamiz City Prepares for Oaminal Chess Festival with Grandmaster Eugene Torre
Ozamiz City is once again positioning itself as a premier sports tourism destination in Northern Mindanao as it gears up for the highly anticipated Oaminal Chess Festival, set to draw top players from across the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The festival, held under the leadership of Governor Henry Oaminal, has become one of the most prestigious chess events in the country, attracting hundreds of participants and thousands of online viewers.
This year’s edition carries an extra layer of excitement as Grandmaster Eugene Torre, one of Asia’s most celebrated chess icons, has been confirmed to grace the event. The Manila Times reported on June 16, 2026, that Torre’s participation is expected to elevate the festival’s profile and inspire a new generation of Filipino chess players. GM Torre, an International Grandmaster and a household name in Philippine chess, has been instrumental in popularizing the game across the country for decades.
The Oaminal Chess Festival has grown remarkably since its inception. In its second edition in July 2024, the tournament drew a record 366 players, according to the Philippine Information Agency. The event has also gained significant online traction, with the festival amassing over 4 million views across various social media platforms during previous editions. This digital reach has helped spotlight Ozamiz City not only as a chess hub but as a destination for sports tourism in Mindanao.
Organized in partnership with local chess clubs, the Misamis Occidental local government, and the provincial tourism office, the festival features multiple categories including open tournaments, age-group divisions, and exhibition matches. Players from as far as the Visayas and various Mindanao provinces travel to Ozamiz to compete, providing a boost to local businesses including hotels, restaurants, and transport services.
The festival also serves as a platform to promote chess development among the youth in Misamis Occidental and nearby provinces. School-based chess clubs and local associations often use the event as a training ground for young players, giving them the opportunity to test their skills against seasoned competitors and learn from grandmasters like Torre.
With GM Torre’s participation and the growing reputation of the Oaminal Chess Festival, Ozamiz City continues to cement its place on the national chess map. Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow the Ozamiz City government’s official pages for updates on schedules, registration details, and other announcements related to the upcoming festival.
— Source: The Manila Times, Philippine Information Agency