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About

Welcome to the 4th Greek Grand Prix 2026, an international backgammon championship! Get ready for the ultimate backgammon adventure at sea!
After three unforgettable editions on Greek soil, the Greek Grand Prix International Backgammon Championship is setting sail for its most exciting chapter yet.
This year, we proudly present the 4th edition aboard the magnificent Celestyal Journey combining world-class backgammon action with the breathtaking beauty of the Greek islands.
Join us for a unique tournament experience where strategy meets scenery – as the dice roll and checkers move, you’ll be cruising through sun-drenched landscapes, historic ports, and crystal-clear waters. Expect thrilling competition, unforgettable memories, and the perfect blend of leisure and excitement, all under the Mediterranean sun.
Whether you’re a seasoned backgammon master or a passionate enthusiast, this is more than just a tournament – it’s a journey.

Backgammon. Islands. Luxury. Let the game begin!

Ruling Committee: To be announced at the start of the tournament
Venue: Celestial Journey (Backgammon On Board)
Whatsapp: +90 532 232 9228, +30 693 652 4064
E-mail: info@greekbackgammon-grand-prix.opax.gr afindikoglu@wbfturkey.com, stefharaklias@gmail.com

Download the flyer here!

Our Team

Arda Findikoglu

Arda Findikoglu

Organizer & Director

Arda Findikoglu is one of the most prestigious names in the world of backgammon with his successfully completed more than 300 events national and international scale in his 23 years of career. Organizing and running more than 14 events every year, today, Arda Findikoglu is the head director of the most prestigious event of backgammon world, World Backgammon Championship which is held in Monte Carlo every year. He is also a board member of WBGF, World Backgammon Federation, which is the most well-respected backgammon association of the world last 4 years.

Stefanos Haraklias

Stefanos Haraklias

Producer

Stefanos Charaklias is the founder and chairman of Mind Sports Club of Cholargos since 2014. During these years his club has hosted and organized most of the big Backgammon events of Greece. The club is also active in the fields of Chess and Bridge. He was the president of the Greek Backgammon Federation (2021-2024)..

The Ship

Celestyal Journey is a beautifully designed, cruise ship that offers refined luxury and comfort at sea. Spacious cabins with sweeping ocean views, elegant dining venues, and serene lounges create a welcoming atmosphere. The sophisticated Casino Royale adds excitement with classic games. Onboard amenities like pools, fitness centre, tennis and basketball court plus a spa-wellnes centre ensure relaxation.
Whether seeking tranquility or adventure, Celestyal Journey promises an unforgettable voyage filled with discovery and elegance on every horizon.

Accommodation Prices

CELESTYAL ONE

Prices for quadruple cabin

Get Started

* Inside cabin cat. ΙΑ: €1050 per person in quadruple
* Inside cabin cat. ΙΒ: €1098 per person in quadruple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΑ: €1175 per person in quadruple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΒ: €1205 per person in quadruple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧC: €1260 per person in quadruple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧD: €1305 per person in quadruple
* Grand Suite with balcony cat. SG: €1720 per person in quadruple



 

CELESTYAL ONE

Prices for triple cabin

Get Started

* Inside cabin cat. ΙΑ: €1090 per person in triple
* Inside cabin cat. ΙΒ: €1140 per person in triple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΑ: €1245 per person in triple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΒ: €1285 per person in triple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧC: €1360 per person in triple
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧD: €1420 per person in triple
* Mini Suite with balcony cat. SJA: €1620 per person in triple
* Mini Suite with balcony cat. SJB: €1710 per person in triple
* Grand Suite with balcony cat. SG: €1970 per person in triple

 

CELESTYAL ONE

Prices for double cabin

Get Started

* Inside cabin cat. ΙΑ: €1150 per person in double
* Inside cabin cat. ΙΒ: €1230 per person in double
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΑ: €1385 per person in double
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΒ: €1445 per person in double
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧC: €1555 per person in double
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧD: €1645 per person in double
* Mini Suite with balcony cat. SJA: €1945 per person in double
* Mini Suite with balcony cat. SJB: €2085 per person in double
* Grand Suite with balcony cat. SG: €2475 per person in double

 

CELESTYAL ONE

Prices for single cabin

Get Started

* Inside cabin cat. ΙA: €1750 per person in single
* Inside cabin cat. ΙΒ: €1890 per person in single
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧA: €2150 per person in single
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧΒ: €2260 per person in single
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧC: €2450 per person in single
* Outside cabin with window cat. ΧD: €2550 per person in single
* Mini Suite with balcony cat. SJA: €3500 per person in single
* Mini Suite with balcony cat. SJΒ: €3780 per person in single
* Grand Suite with balcony cat. SG: €4580 per person in single

 

Online booking

Gammon Cruise

What’s included in your reservation:

• Accommodation in the cabin category of your choice.
• All-inclusive daily meals (soft drinks included), as well as additional snack options
• Self-service area for filter coffee, tea selection, water, and juices throughout the day
• Port fees
• Free WiFi* (basic)

• Service charge/gratuities
• Transfer to Mykonos by bus from the ship to Chora of Mykonos
• Participation in onboard entertainment and recreation programs
• Free access to the ship’s pool and gym
• Insurance – Professional Liability

How to get there?

Gammon Cruise will depart from the Port of Piraeus on May 9th, 2026, at 17:00.
We kindly recommend arriving at the port well in advance to allow sufficient time for check-in and boarding procedures. Further details regarding the exact terminal and embarkation instructions will be shared closer to the departure date.

The main options to travel from Athens Airport (ATH) to Piraeus Port (rates are based on July 2025 and may change).

1. X96 AIRPORT EXPRESS BUS
Time: ~ 90 min
Frequency: Every 20-40 min
Price: 6€
Pros: Cheapest, direct to port
Cons: Slower, traffic-dependent, luggage handling

2. METRO (LINE 3 + LINE 1)
Time: ~ 60-85 min (transfer at Monastiraki)
Frequency: Every ~ 30-36 min
Price: €9-10 for one-way from airport;
Pros: Reliable schedule, avoids road traffic
Cons: May involve walking with luggage and transferring

3. SUBURBAN RAILWAY (PROASTIAKOS, LINE A1)
Time: ~ 1 hr (hourly service)
Frequency: About once every hour from ~ 06:00-22:00
Price: ~ €9/one-way
Pros: Direct to Piraeus station
Cons: Limited schedules, not 24/7

4. TAXI (OFFICIAL AIRPORT TAXIS)
Time: 45-75 min depending on traffic
Day rate (05:00-24:00): €54-60 flat
Night rate (00:00-05:00): €70-75
Pros: Convenient door-to-door, 24/7 availability
Cons: Most expensive, risk of overcharging

5. PRIVATE TRANSFER / SHUTTLE /RENTAL CAR
Private transfer: Sedan €65+, minivan €95+
Rental car: From ~€30-50/day (+fuel, tolls), one-way possible
Pros: Comfortable, flexible, good for groups
Cons: Costlier, potential traffic, parking issues at port

Options from Athens City Center to Piraeus

A. METRO LINE 1 (GREEN LINE)
Price: €1.20 flat (90 min ticket)
Time: ~ 15-20 min from Monastiraki/Syntagma to Piraeus
Pros: Fast, cheap, frequent
Cons: Might require walking to central station

B. SUBURBAN RAILWAY
Similar fare/route as metro green line, stops at Piraeus but schedule less frequent

C. TAXI / RIDE‑SHARE
In-city taxi: ~€10-15 to central Piraeus;
from port to airport: ~€45-60 in day, €60+ at night
Ride‑share/Uber/Free Now: Often reliable, card payment, fixed fare

Cruise Programme

DATEPORTARRIVALDEPARTURE
9/5/2026Piraeus, Greece17:00-
10/5/2026Kusandasi, Turkey08:0018:00
11/5/2026Rhodes, Greece08:0018:00
12/5/2026Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece08:0020:00
13/5/2026Santorini, Greece08:0022:00
14/5/2026Mykonos, Greece08:0002:00*
15/5/2026Milos, Greece08:0018:00
16/5/2026Piraeus, Greece08:00-

Destinations

Mykonos

Mykonos captivates with whitewashed houses, azure seas, and golden beaches. Its vibrant nightlife, upscale resorts, and rich history make it a top destination.
From iconic windmills to charming alleys, it blends natural beauty with cosmopolitan allure and Greek tradition.

Santorini

Santorini enchants with dramatic cliffs, whitewashed villages, and stunning sunsets over the Aegean Sea. Its volcanic landscapes, blue-domed churches, and crystal-clear waters create a dreamlike setting.

Kuşadasi

Kuşadasi, a vibrant Turkish coastal town, offers stunning Aegean views, sandy beaches, and a lively marina. It’s a gateway to ancient Ephesus, rich in history and culture. Visitors enjoy warm hospitality, bustling bazaars, cruise ports, and beautiful Mediterranean sunsets.

Rhodes

Rhodes blends medieval charm with natural beauty, featuring ancient ruins, golden beaches, and lush valleys. Its walled Old Town, crystal-clear waters, and scenic landscapes make it a captivating island rich in history and allure.

Crete

Agios Nikolaos in Crete captivates with its serene harbor, turquoise waters of Mirabello Bay, and the mysterious Lake Voulismeni. Surrounded by hills and beaches, it offers natural charm, cultural richness, and a peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere.

Milos

Milos stuns with pristine beaches framed by turquoise waters and sculpted white rock formations. Each shore feels unique—secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, and soft sands invite calm, while the island’s light adds a dreamlike, timeless quality.

Find your dream cruise
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Programme*

Saturday, May 9 - Athens

17:00 – Departure from Piraeus Port & Event Registrations
17:30 – Start of Mini Jackpots, Speedgammon, Seniors, Women’s & DMP Challenge (continuous entries)
20:00 – Dinner break
21:00 – Welcome Speech
21:30 – Start of Doubles Consultation
23:00 – Closing of Main Flight Registrations
24:00 – Public Draw for Main Flights (Masters & Intermediates)

Sunday, May 10 - Kuşadası

15:30 – Start of Undefeated Bracket (Masters & Intermediates)
18:00 – Doubles Consultation resumes
20:00 – Dinner break
21:00 – Gameplay resumes

Monday, May 11 - Rhodes

15:30 – Start of Second Chance Bracket (Masters & Intermediates), all categories resume
18:00 – Doubles Consultation resumes
20:00 – Dinner break
21:00 – Gameplay resumes

Tuesday, May 12 - Crete

15:30 – All categories resume
18:00 – Doubles Consultation resumes
20:00 – Dinner break
21:00 – Gameplay resumes

Wednesday, May 13 - Santorini

15:30 – All categories resume
18:00 – Start of Super Jackpot & Limited Jackpot, Doubles Consultation resumes
20:00 – Dinner break
21:00 – Gameplay resumes

Thursday, May 14 - Mykonos

15:30 – Start of Last Chance Bracket (Masters & Intermediates), all categories resume
20:00 – Dinner break
21:00 – Gameplay resumes

Friday, May 15 - Milos

15:30 – All categories resume
16:00 – Closing of Mini Jackpots
16:30 – Championship Grand Finals
20:00 – Dinner break
21:30 – Awarding Ceremony

Saturday, May 16 - Athens

08:00 – Arrival at Piraeus Port

* Organizers reserve the right to change the programme in any of its parts. Changes will be announced in advance and posted on the notice board.

Important Notes

• WBGF Tournament Rules set will be the main guideline of the rules applied and any additional rules will be posted on the notice board prior to the start of the whole event. https://www.wbfturkey.com/doc/Tournament_Rules_WBGF.pdf
• Players who have recent Intermediates winner titles, or a BMAB rank- ing of “M” or better, or a recognized PR of 6,5 or below are NOT allowed to participate in Intermediates flight in principle, to be checked with the event director during registration phase. If a player who cashes in Inter- mediates is noticed as meeting one of these criteria, 30% of official prize is cut and distributed as a compensation to his & her opponents.
• The Tournament Director reserves the right to require the use of clocks in any round of any category.
• The draw is manual (not computerised), public and random.

• Tournament matches take precedence over all other forms of play.
• Only cash payments are accepted.
• The Tournament Committee reserves the right to refuse applications to play without giving any reasons, since the event is by OPAX invitation only.
• Should a player wish to leave the playing area during the tournament, he/she must inform the Tournament Director. Failure to do so may result in penalty points being assigned.
• The daily break for dinner is between 20:00 and 21:00.
• Smoking is not permitted in the event venue other than in designated areas.
• The tournament will be played on professional Tournament Boards. Our boards are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
• Dice service is provided by organization.
• All players are expected to be dressed appropriately.

Fees

Category Entry Fees (€) Registration Fees (€)
Masters 300 100
Intermediates 150 50
Doubles Consultation (per team) 280 70
Super Jackpot 460 40
Limited Jackpot 225 25
Seniors (Age 50+) 40 10
Women’s 40 10
Speedgammon 40 10
DMP Challenge (2 lives) 16 4

Prizes

100% of entry fees will be returned as money prize, organizers will donate an added value of €10.000 into the prize pool & the sum will be distributed as follows:

 

MASTERS CATEGORY TITLES *
(Total Added Value Contribution: €6.000)		 PRIZE POOL
DISTRIBUTION (%)
Winner 40
Grand Finalist 18
2nd Chance Finalist (3rd) 9
2nd Chance Semi Finalists (4th & 5th) 4,5 each
2nd Chance Quarter Finalists (6th, 7th, 8th & 9th) 2 each
Undefeated Bracket Winner (bonus) 4
Undefeated Bracket Finalist (bonus) 2
Undefeated Bracket Semi Finalists (bonus) 1 each
Last Chance Winner 5,5
Last Chance Finalist 2,5
INTERMEDIATES CATEGORY TITLES *
(Total Added Value Contribution: € 1.000)		 PRIZE POOL
DISTRIBUTION (%)
Winner 44
Grand Finalist 20
2nd Chance Finalist (3rd) 10
2nd Chance Semi Finalists (4th & 5th) 5 each
Undefeated Bracket Winner (bonus) 5
Undefeated Bracket Finalist (bonus) 2,5
Last Chance Winner 6
Last Chance Finalist 2,5
DOUBLES CONSULTATION TITLES *
(Total Added Value Contribution: € 3.000)		 PRIZE POOL
DISTRIBUTION (%)
Winner Team 50
Finalist Team 25
Semi Finalists Team 12,5 each

* Percentages might be reevaluated based on the number of participants

A share of €2.000 from the championship’s added money prize will be contributed to the Gammon Slam 2026 fund. For prize details, visit gammonslam.com

Match Lengths

Category Match Length
Masters Undefeated: 13 pts (Semi & Final 15)
2nd Chance: 9 pts (Semi & Final 11)
Grand Final: 17 pts
Last Chance: 5 pts (Final 7)
Intermediates Undefeated: 11 pts (Semi & Final 13)
2nd Chance: 7 pts (Semi & Final 9)
Grand Final: 15 pts
Last Chance: 5 pts (Final 7)
Doubles Consultation 7pts (Final 9)
Super Jackpot 11pts (incl. Final)
Limited Jackpot 9pts (incl. Final)
Seniors 7 pts (incl. Final)
Women’s 7pts (incl. Final)
Speedgammon 5pts (incl. Final)
DMP Challenge 1 pt (incl. Final)

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Welcome to the 4th Greek Grand Prix, an International Backgammon Championship held in Greece

@2024-2026 Greek Grand Prix - International Backgammon Championship