The Red Beavers were on the move.
As several planes lifted off from Zaventem toward Athens on the first April weekend, seven determined Belgians were heading for Kamena Vourla, Greece—a picturesque battlefield where the world’s best backgammon nations would collide. The mission? Represent Belgium at the World Championship Backgammon for national teams, and fight for a place among the elite.
Our group was no walk in the park: reigning giants Denmark, alongside evenly matched opponents from Austria, Georgia, and Switzerland. Ukraine rounded out the pool—technically the underdog, but in backgammon, luck doesn’t read rankings.
DAY 1: A Roaring Start, A Narrow Miss
We came out swinging, dispatching Ukraine with a commanding 4–1 victory that set the tone for a thrilling campaign. Confidence was high. Then came Austria—a key duel for group supremacy. After four fierce boards, the score was tied 2–2. The decider? Michel Lamote, razor-sharp and battle-ready, stepped into the spotlight. He played a brilliant match… but the dice had their own story to tell. Austria edged us 3–2.
The drama didn’t stop there. Switzerland awaited in Round 3, and once again, it came down to a final board. And once again, the dice denied us by a hair’s breadth. Another 2–3 loss. Tension high. Stakes higher.
DAY 2: Firepower and Frustration
With qualification on the line, Day 2 was do-or-die.
First up: Denmark, the top dogs. The Beavers came armed with world-class play, posting a blistering team Performance Rating of 3.55—elite by any standard. But when the dust settled, the deciding board slipped away once more. The cruel poetry of the game repeated itself.
Our last group match, against Georgia, had become a formality—but not for our team. We fought. We bled. We fell, 2–3. Three heartbreakers in one tournament. It happens. Not often. But it happens.
Pride, Potential, and a Promise
Despite the results, there was so much to be proud of. Our level of play was exceptional, driven by the presence and mentorship of Belgium’s very first Grandmaster—Marc Van Damme.
Newcomers Firat Tekil and Csaba Daday brought youthful fire to the team and proved they belonged on the international stage. Every member—Geert, Guy, Marc, Michel, Firat, Csaba and our Team Captain Johan Huyck—battled hard, backed one another, and wore the Red Beaver badge with pride.
Backgammon is a game of skill, nerve, and sometimes… a little heartbreak. You can love the dice. You can hate them. But ultimately, you must meet them with a smile.
Thank you, Team Belgium.
You made us dream, you made us proud—and next year in London…
Written & Edited : Johan Huyck / Alf
