American backgammon legend Joe Russell, vice president of the World Backgammon Federation and a two-time world champion, claimed victory on Sunday at the 5th Annual Jamaica International Backgammon Tournament.
Russell defeated Avi Cohen in the final, securing both a monetary prize and a trophy at the event, which was staged at Bamboo Blu Beach in Mammee Bay, St. Ann. The four-day tournament, held from August 21 to 24, drew 41 players, including 33 international competitors and two former world champions.
The competition was backed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, whose sponsorship helped provide new backgammon boards. Additional sponsors included Wisynco, RIU Hotels, and Coldwell Banker Jamaica Realty.
Russell, a Memphis, Tennessee native, is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the sport. A founding sponsor and current chairman of the U.S. Backgammon Federation, he has been instrumental in promoting the game, including organizing the first national collegiate backgammon championships and coaching UCLA to a collegiate title in 2011.
His decorated career includes winning the 1989 World Championship in Monaco, the 1995 American Backgammon Tour Championship, the 1999 Rio Pro-Am Doubles, and the 2015 U.S. Open Championship. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Backgammon Hall of Fame in 2017.
The annual Jamaica International Backgammon Tournament has steadily grown in prominence, attracting top international talent while boosting the island’s profile as a host for world-class events.
