Ulster Rapidplay Championship

Past winners

The first time an event carried the title of the Ulster Rapidplay Championship was on the 3rd December 2000. It was a one-off event, part of the Target Recruitment sponsorship of the Ulster Chess Union in the 2000-2001 season.

2000  - Stephen SCANNELL

The next time the Championship was held was on 2nd January 2006. The next four Championships were all held between Christmas and the New Year until the 2010-2011 season when the Championship which took place on 2nd January 2011.

2005-06 - Gareth ANNESLEY, John CAIRNS, Nicholas PILKIEWICZ

2006-07 - Stephen SCANNELL

2007-08 - Stephen SCANNELL

2008-09 - Gareth ANNESLEY, John CAIRNS, Michael HOLMES, Calum LEITCH, Stephen SCANNELL

2009-10 - Gareth ANNESLEY, John CAIRNS

2010-11 - John CAIRNS

For the 2011-2012 season the UCU decided to hold an Ulster Blitz Championship over the holiday period, moving the Rapidplay Championship to a new Spring slot in the Calendar.

2012 - Michael WATERS

2013 - John MASTERSON

The 2013 Championship was held on Easter Monday. The 2014 and subsequent Championships saw the winner receiving the Arthur Cootes Memorial Cup.

2014 - Ciaran QUINN

2015 - Ciaran QUINN

2016 - Gabor HORVATH

2017 - Daniil ZELENCHUK

2018 - Nikhil JOSHI

2019 - Daniil ZELENCHUK

2020 - Danny ROBERTS

2021 - No Championship

2022 - Danny ROBERTS

2023 - Mandar TAHMANKAR

News
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Brilliant day of Fischer Random Chess. Ulster 2026 Champion crowned. On Saturday 13th June 2026. At 10:30am 14 players gathered to play the very challenging and fun game of Fischer Random. ... Jun 14, 2026
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City of Belfast Chess Tournament Delivers Drama, Upsets, and Two Champions in a Thrilling 2026 Edition The May Bank Holiday weekend brought six intense rounds of competitive chess to Lisburn Chess Club, as 34 players from a... May 22, 2026
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Upcoming Events
Lisburn Bullet Championships Jul 05, 2026 10:30 AM - 04:30 PM — Lisburn Chess Club
The Summer Tournament Weds 8th July at Civil Service The Summer Tournament is at Civil Service Social Club starting Wednesday 6th May 2026 at the Maynard Sinclair Pavilion a... Jul 08, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM
The Citi Belfast Charity Rapidplay July 30th 2026. ( FIDE rated) Rapidplay tournament at Citi Offices on Thursday 30th July Round 1 starts at 7:30pm. All monies being dona... Jul 30, 2026 07:15 PM - 10:30 PM — Citi, Gateway Offices, 60 Sydenham Rd, Belfast BT3 9DP.
FIDE Rated Ulster Championships 2026 Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 31, 2026 — Blackmountain Shared Space, 280 Ballygomartin Road, Belfast, BT13 3NG
FIDE RATED Aughamullan Rapid 2026 : Tuesday 15 September 2026 5 rounds. Time Control 12mins. Checkin 19:00 Prize giving 21:50. Venue : Washingbay Centre, Coalisland. Sep 15, 2026 07:00 PM - 09:50 PM — Washingbay Centre, 92 Ballybeg Road, Aughamullan, Coalisland, County Tyrone, BT71 5DX
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