World Backgammon Federation
Discover the World Backgammon Federation
our history, leadership, and global community
The World Backgammon Federation (WBGF) is the international governing body of backgammon, dedicated to advancing the game as a recognized mind sport.
As a non-profit, Austrian-registered, politically and religiously neutral association, the WBGF unites nations, safeguards members' interests, and provides a global voice for the backgammon community.
With more than 40 member nations and multiple WBGF World Championships each year, the WBGF plays a central role in shaping the future of backgammon worldwide.
The WBGF strives to promote, develop, and regulate backgammon internationally through unified standards, global competitions, and collaborative initiatives.
We achieve this by:
Expanding backgammon internationally, including in countries without existing federations.
Organizing world-class tournaments such as the WBGF World Teams, Doubles, Speed, and Individual Championships.
Representing member nations, safeguarding their interests, and assisting in dispute resolution.
Setting global tournament rules, player ratings, and official title systems.
Fostering fair play, tolerance, sporting culture, and advocating for the legal recognition of backgammon as a mind sport.
Guiding global backgammon policies and coordinating national bodies' efforts.
Clear goals that guide our work and define our commitment to the global backgammon community
Develop, improve, expand, and promote backgammon worldwide.
Unite member federations and strengthen international cooperation.
Organize and regulate global competitions.
Safeguard the interests of members and represent them internationally.
Build common systems for rules, rankings, and ethics.
Encourage the creation of new national federations where none exist.
Uphold fair play, respect, and non-discrimination in sports.
A comprehensive history of WBGF's international tournaments and championships
From European roots to global leadership - the evolution of competitive backgammon
The European Backgammon Federation (EUBGF) was founded in Dubrovnik, Croatia as a non-profit organization to develop and promote backgammon in Europe.
The EUBGF transitioned into the World Backgammon Federation (WBGF) to reflect its expanding global mission and international reach.
The WBGF has grown into a global federation with 40+ member nations and organizes multiple WBGF World Championships annually, representing the unified voice of international backgammon.
Meet the dedicated leaders who guide the World Backgammon Federation
Austria
Grandmaster Bernhard is President of both the WBGF and WBIF, and CEO of BMAB. He is dedicated to uniting players worldwide and promoting backgammon as a recognized mind sport. His focus includes introducing the game into schools and universities to inspire the next generation of players.
USA
Joe is a former Backgammon World Champion, Vice-World Champion, and a 2017 inductee into the Backgammon Hall of Fame. A founding sponsor and longtime Chair of the USBGF, he has organized landmark events including the first national collegiate championship and the first USBGF online tournaments. He has won more than 25 major titles, most recently the Monte Carlo Open in 2025.
Japan
Super Grandmaster Mochy is a two-time Backgammon World Champion and former #1 on the Backgammon Giants list. The first player to achieve the BMAB title of Super Grand Master, he is also a member of the American Backgammon Hall of Fame. He currently serves as President of the Japan Backgammon Society and BMAB.
USA
Karen is a member of the American Backgammon Hall of Fame and one of the leading voices for women in the game. She captained Team USA to victory in the inaugural WBGF Women’s Team Championship and won the WBIF Women’s World Championship in 2024. A former President of the USBGF, she now chairs the U.S. Backgammon Foundation and co-founded Women’s World of Backgammon.
Türkiye
Ata is the Secretary-General of WBGF. Bringing expertise in coordination and communication, and with prior experience as a Secretary-General, he works to strengthen WBGF’s internal and international collaboration. His aim is to advance its initiatives by helping backgammon reach a wider audience and gain greater recognition globally.
Türkiye
Arda is one of the world’s leading backgammon organizers with over 25 years of experience and more than 300 international events directed. Since 2015 he has served as Tournament Director of the prestigious World Championship in Monte Carlo. He also organizes major events such as the Merit Open in North Cyprus, helping backgammon grow globally.
France
Julie has been Treasurer of the WBGF since 2014 and has organized backgammon events for more than 15 years. She first discovered tournament play through the French Federation in 2002, after learning the game as a child. She remains dedicated to developing and supporting the federation’s work.
UK
Raj has played backgammon for over 25 years and combines his legal background with a passion for the game’s governance. He has been active in organizational development, helping draft rules and policies to strengthen structures. He has contributed to the UKBGF, the former EUBGF, and now the WBGF.
UAE
Patrick is the Founder of Mindskillz and a key figure in promoting backgammon in the Middle East. He established Dubai’s first backgammon club and successfully registered the game as a mind sport with the Dubai Sports Council. Through education and tournaments, he works to elevate backgammon internationally.
Argentina
Grandmaster Fernando is a player, teacher, and tournament director dedicated to promoting backgammon. He has worked to expand the game in Argentina, across South America, and on the international stage. His efforts focus on growing a strong, connected backgammon community.
Greece
Michail is a founding member and first Chairman of the Greek Backgammon Federation. He served as First Vice President of the EUBGF/WBGF from 2014 to 2020 and has been on the board since 2014. Among his many titles are the WBGF Speedgammon Championship (2020) and the Cup of Greece (2023).
Germany
Josefin Bichler was a founding member of the German Backgammon Federation & served for several years in leading roles, including Treasurer & Vice President. She contributed to the German translation of the international tournament rules and serves on the WBGF Development Committee. Additionally, she has been an active tournament player for over 10 years and has achieved several notable successes.
South Africa
Doron Claxton is a Cape Town-based entrepreneur and lifelong backgammon player with a passion for growing the game and building community through it. He believes backgammon is entering an exciting new chapter and hopes to help bring more people, more countries and a new generation to the game.
Dedicated committees handle key areas such as tournament organization, rules standardization, player ratings, and ethics compliance. Through these efforts, the WBGF fosters a fair, inclusive, and vibrant global backgammon community.
Establishes the Code of Ethics and handles ethical violations
The Ethics Committee establishes the Code of Ethics and, in the event of a violation of the ethical principles, analyses complaints and proposes sanctions.
Develops rules, statutes, and tournament structures
The Development Committee was responsible for finalizing the Rules and Statutes of the WBGF. It is also tasked with developing the structure of official WBGF tournaments, in collaboration with approved partner organizations.
Our global network spans six continents, uniting players from diverse cultures and backgrounds
Interested in becoming a member nation? We provide comprehensive support and guidance for establishing backgammon federations in your region.
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