Jamie-Nicole Beukes, Namibia’s Rising Chess Queen

At only 16 years old, Jamie-Nicole Beukes has already established herself as one of Namibia’s most promising young athletes, not on the track or the field, but on the chessboard.Her chess path began when her brother introduced her to the game, sparking what quickly grew into a passion. “I love the competitiveness of it and the opportunities it offers,” she says. Chess has not only challenged her intellect but also allowed her to travel and grow as a person.Her rise has been extraordinary. At just eight years old, she achieved the prestigious Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title - an accomplishment that few attain at such a young age. By 17, she went on to win the National Women’s Championship, a milestone made even more impressive by the fact that she clinched it with a perfect score.Like many success stories, this one did not come without its challenges. “Playing chess is hard and at times stressful,” she admits. Yet, she embraces the difficulties as part of her continuing career. Her determination and discipline, combined with the guidance of an online coach she began working with this year, have helped sharpen her game to new levels.Looking ahead, Beukus is determined to continue building her career and achieving greater heights on the international stage. To young girls who look up to her, her advice is both simple and powerful: “Follow your passion and give it your all. Don’t give up when it gets hard, keep pushing.”Namibia’s chess future shines brighter with her leading the way.

Jamie-Nicole Beukes, Namibia’s Rising Chess Queen

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-10

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Jamie-Nicole Beukes, Namibia’s Rising Chess Queen

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-10

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