On July 13, the inaugural MIP Chess Tournament concluded. MIP:Lab members traded experiments for endgames. Six players battled through a double-elimination bracket featuring winner and loser brackets, giving everyone a chance at a comeback, and producing plenty of dramatic games along the way.

To add to the fun, each participant received a custom player card inspired by esports and chess broadcasts, complete with player ratings, strengths, and a few tongue-in-cheek facts. Alongside the traditional podium places, we also handed out awards for the Fastest Player, Best Move, and the Game with the Most Twists, celebrating not only strong play but also creativity and memorable moments.

The tournament brought together players of all skill levels, with spectators gathering around the board for tense time scrambles, unexpected tactics, and lively post-game analysis. Congratulations to all the participants and winners for making the first MIP:Lab Chess Tournament such an enjoyable event. We are already looking forward to the next one.