Tournaments are the beating heart of AsNard. They're where players from across the country come together, roll the dice, and test their skills in an atmosphere of excitement and competition. The first official AsNard tournament wasn't just an event — it was the birth of a new culture in Iranian online backgammon, a milestone that proved an Iranian platform could host major competitions. This tournament set a new standard for online competitions in Iran.
The Beginning of a Dream
Six months ago, the idea of AsNard's first official tournament was just a thought in the team's minds. 256 players, 48 hours of intense play, one champion — nobody believed a new platform could pull off such an event. But the AsNard team was determined to turn this dream into reality, working day and night on technical coordination and logistics. From website design to live broadcast coordination, everything was meticulously planned.
From Registration to Draw
Registration closed in three days — the response was beyond expectations. Players from all over Iran had signed up. From Tehran and Isfahan to Shiraz and Tabriz, no corner of Iran was missing from this event. The draw was streamed live on Telegram, and the 256-player bracket was set. The prize pool was valued at over 50 million Tomans.
Unforgettable Battles
Some matches were so intense that spectators in the live chat were speechless. A backgammon quarterfinal went to a tiebreaker after three consecutive gammons — something rarely seen. Both players were at the peak of their game, and the winner was uncertain until the very last roll.
But perhaps the most dramatic match was the semifinal between two grandmasters: one player, far behind, turned the game around with a bold double and a streak of lucky dice rolls, ultimately winning. Spectators called it "the semifinal miracle." This match proved that in backgammon, nothing is certain until the final move — a single decision can change the entire game.
The third-place match between two young players was also one of the most beautiful games of the tournament. Both played with champion spirit and mutual respect, and at the end, the audience gave them a standing ovation. It showed that backgammon is about more than just winning and losing.
Interview with the Champion
The first champion, a 24-year-old player from Tabriz, won with 17 consecutive victories. "I never thought I'd come first. I just came to gain experience." — he said with the trophy in his hands. Throughout the tournament, he showed that calmness and focus are the keys to success in high-pressure matches. Remarkably, he was the only player to finish the entire tournament undefeated.
In an exclusive interview, he added: "My secret was patience. In every game, I waited for my opponent's mistakes and seized the opportunities." His advice to new players: "Consistent practice and reviewing your previous games — these are the two keys to improvement. Nobody becomes a champion overnight, and every loss is a lesson." He also said his next goal is to compete in international tournaments.
Tournament by the Numbers
Over the 48-hour competition, more than 1,200 games were played. The average match lasted 12 minutes, and the longest game went 47 minutes. In total, over 10,000 dice were rolled and 2,500 gammons were recorded. These stats show just how competitive the event really was.
Behind the Scenes
What players didn't see was the team working nonstop for 48 hours to run the tournament. From technical support to managing the live chat and handling disputes — everyone worked together to make the event flawless. The refereeing team also monitored every single game.
One of the most memorable behind-the-scenes moments was when a player disconnected due to internet issues in the third round. The support team resolved the problem in under 5 minutes and the game resumed — a moment that truly felt like family. Behind every successful tournament stands a committed team.
The Future of Tournaments
Following the success of the first edition, seasonal tournaments are now on the AsNard calendar. Each season features a specialized tournament for backgammon, Hokm, Shelem, and Chahar Barg. The next tournament with bigger prizes and a new ranking system awaits you. Registration is open to all players, and the capacity has been increased to 512.
AsNard tournaments are more than just competitions — they are celebrations of Iranian game culture. Every dice roll tells a new story, and every game is an opportunity to learn and connect with fellow enthusiasts. The first tournament was just the beginning of a long journey — one you can be part of. So get your board ready and register for the next tournament. Maybe this time, you'll be the one holding the champion's trophy.
