The fifth edition of The Thinker’s Journal brings together one of our most substantial collections yet, capturing the conclusion of the Welsh league season, the Welsh Championships, rapidplay action, and an extraordinary revival of chess in West Wales.
At the heart of this edition is extensive coverage of the Welsh Championships 2026, held in Cardiff over the Easter weekend. IM Jose Camacho Collados successfully defended his Welsh Closed title with an unbeaten 6/7, while Hugo Fowler produced one of the performances of the tournament to finish second with 5.5/7.
We also take stock of the domestic league season, with analysis from both the East Glamorgan Chess Association and West Wales Chess League, looking beyond the final tables at the players, teams and turning points that defined the campaign.
Online chess also takes centre stage with our report from Welsh Esports League Season 10, where chess continued to establish itself alongside Wales’ wider competitive esports scene. The season brought together clubs from across the country and featured some of Wales’ strongest titled players. Thinkers Journal June 2026.pdf
There is plenty of over-the-board action too. The Frank Hatto Memorial Welsh Rapidplay attracted 51 players to Bridgend, with James Tapp scoring 6/7 to take clear first ahead of a strong field containing two FIDE Masters. The event also produced an impressive showing from Wales’ emerging junior players. Beyond results and trophies, this edition looks at what happens when somebody decides to rebuild a chess community. Pembrokeshire’s Chess Revolution tells the story of the remarkable resurgence of organised chess in the county. Fishguard, Haverfordwest and Narberth have emerged or re-emerged in rapid succession, bringing more than 110 new players into the local chess community.
As always, The Thinker’s Journal aims to be more than a collection of tournament results. It is a record of Welsh chess — documenting its champions and competitors, but also the clubs, volunteers, juniors and communities ensuring the game continues to grow.
Inside this edition
- Editor’s welcome and the Journal’s evolving publishing schedule
- East Glamorgan Chess Association season review
- Welsh Esports League Season 10
- West Wales Chess League season report
- Welsh Championships 2026 — extensive coverage and analysis
- Frank Hatto Memorial Welsh Rapidplay
- Pembrokeshire’s Chess Revolution
- The Tactician’s Test
- Welsh Championship Study