The 2026 backgammon season is shaping up to be one of the biggest in the game's history — with not one but two world championships on the calendar. The historic Backgammon World Championship (BGWC) returns to Monte Carlo in late July, while the World Backgammon Federation (WBGF) stages its World Championships in London in August.
Monte Carlo: The Classic Crown
The BGWC — the sport's oldest and most storied title, running for more than half a century — takes place from July 27 to August 2, preceded by the Monte Carlo Open on July 25–26. Defending the men's world title is Finland's Timo Väätäinen, who rose above a fierce field to take the crown, while Miranda Moulton of the United Kingdom holds the women's title.
London Calling: The WBGF World Championships
New to the calendar, the WBGF World Championships bring elite backgammon to London, with the National and Women's Team Championships on August 24–26 and the Individual World Championship on August 27–30. Two major titles in a single summer means more top-level backgammon than ever for fans to follow — a sign of just how fast the ancient game is growing.
Backgammon is centuries old and suddenly everywhere at once — proof that the oldest games never really age.
And in Armenia? Nardi Is Everywhere
While the world's best gather in Monte Carlo and London, in Armenia the game never left. Known as nardi, backgammon is played in every courtyard and at every family table — most often the strategic long nardi variant favored across the Caucasus. New to the game, or want to sharpen up before the championships? Our guide on how to play Armenian backgammon covers the rules and the traditions that go with them.
Play Like a Champion at Home
Whether you are following Monte Carlo or hosting your own game night, a hand-carved board makes all the difference. Browse our Armenian backgammon sets and backgammon tables to bring a little of the championship spirit home.
Sources: Backgammon World Championship (Monte Carlo); World Backgammon Federation. Photographs show Lion Laurel's own handmade backgammon boards.