The contest of Chu and Han rivers showcases brilliance, as the chess king of Yangcheng shines brightly. The 2025 National Xiangqi Folk Chess King Championship Guangzhou division has successfully concluded.

As the battle lines between Chu and Han are drawn, who will claim the chess king’s glory? On September 27th, a pinnacle clash of wisdom and strategy ignited passion in Guangzhou! After seven intense rounds in one day, the 2025 China Sports Lottery National Xiangqi Folk Chess King Championship Guangzhou city-level finals came to a successful close. On the battlefield, the crisp sounds of chess pieces striking the board echoed like war drums, as folk masters debated tactics and made friends through chess, together presenting a brilliant intellectual feast.

This event gathered numerous folk xiangqi elites, all driven by their passion and dedication to this national treasure, fiercely competing along the Chu-Han boundary. Ultimately, Li Duo stood out from many top contenders with his extraordinary skills, calm judgment, and steady composure, earning the title of “Guangzhou Chess King.” At the award ceremony, special guests including Lü Qin, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Xiangqi Association and Grandmaster, alongside key officials from the Guangzhou Sports Lottery Management Center, presented the honorary trophy, recognizing his superb technique and fighting spirit displayed on the board.

Reviewing the entire competition, every match was gripping. Players sat focused at their tables, eyes deep and concentrated. In the opening, some played cautiously, building solid defenses; others took initiative to control the tempo. The midgame saw fierce struggles with brilliant moves, sacrifices, and classic tactics like double chariots and soldier flanks emerging repeatedly. The endgame tested patience and calculation depth, where a single move could decide victory or defeat. Whether through exquisite combinations or clever countermeasures, the folk players fully demonstrated their profound foundation and unique insight into the art of xiangqi.

It is worth mentioning that even those who did not claim the championship showed noble sportsmanship. After the matches, they warmly congratulated the chess king, applauding with the spirit of “joy in victory, grace in defeat.” This mutual respect and shared progress vividly reflect the living tradition and development of xiangqi culture.

Compared to last year, the Guangzhou division made improvements in the following areas regarding event organization:

Event coverage: In 2025, Guangzhou set up 47 physical competition sites, one more than the 46 in 2024, further expanding the event’s reach.

Number of participants: This year’s preliminary rounds attracted a total of 517 players, an increase of 27 from 490 in 2024.

Number of matches: Throughout the year, 27,525 games were played, a significant 373% rise from 5,818 games in 2024, reflecting a notable boost in event activity.

Points and rankings: The preliminary rounds accumulated 27,518 points, up 170% from 10,206 points in 2024, ranking first in the province and achieving a leap in performance.

The successful hosting of this Guangzhou city-level final not only provided a platform for xiangqi enthusiasts to compete, communicate, and improve, but also leveraged the public welfare power of the China Sports Lottery to promote the deep integration of national fitness and traditional chess art. Through stages from preliminaries to special events and finally the city finals, the event’s influence has expanded, attracting more public attention and participation in xiangqi.

Glory belongs to the past, and the journey continues. The top three outstanding players from this event will represent Guangzhou at the provincial finals held on October 12th, aiming for higher honors. Carrying the hopes of Yangcheng chess fans, these players will continue to demonstrate resilience and showcase the style of Guangzhou’s chess masters on the provincial stage.