Zyon Kollen and 17-year-old Josephine Damen made history at the 2025 Diving Chess World Championships, both securing top honors in the Netherlands’ groundbreaking underwater event.
The competition, held in Groningen, combines chess strategy with freediving. Competitors must hold their breath while moving magnetic chess pieces on boards submerged underwater, testing both focus and lung capacity.
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Kollen claimed the men’s title, while Damen’s skill and composure earned her the women’s crown. “Winning isn’t just about chess—it’s about staying calm and in control beneath the surface,” Damen said.
The championship drew international attention, with spectators and media captivated by the unusual mix of mental strategy and physical endurance required to succeed.