United Across the Board: Record-Breaking Charity Event at MTU
A Student-Led Initiative Demonstrating the Power of Collaboration Across the INGENIUM Network.
On 21 February 2026, the Munster Technological University’s North Campus, Tralee, Ireland, hosted a remarkable Simultaneous Chess Tournament for Charity, bringing together students, local communities, and international partners in support of Ukraine.
Supported by the INGENIUM European University Alliance and organised in collaboration with North East and West Kerry Development (NEWKD) and the Irish Chess Union, the event reflected the core values of the INGENIUM alliance: solidarity, inclusion, cross-border collaboration, and student engagement.
A Collaborative Initiative with International Reach
At the centre of the event was Yunis Barudi, a Ukrainian chess master, a computer science student at MTU, and an active member of the INGENIUM community. Originally from Odesa, Yunis now lives in Ireland, where he combines academic study and his passion for competitive chess.
In a powerful demonstration of skill and endurance, Yunis undertook a simultaneous chess exhibition against 78 participants. Over the course of more than seven hours, he moved continuously between boards, maintaining focus and precision throughout.
This exceptional performance resulted in a 98.7% success rate and the establishment of a new Irish national record, surpassing the previous record set in 1977. The achievement was officially recognised by officials of the Irish Chess Union present on the day.
Chess as a Platform for Solidarity
The tournament was organised to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and to raise funds for unmarked medical evacuation vehicles supporting frontline efforts. As part of the wider “Chess Battle” initiative, similar events were held simultaneously in multiple cities across Europe and beyond, reinforcing a shared commitment to humanitarian action.
At MTU, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including students, local residents, members of the Ukrainian community, and chess enthusiasts of all levels. The inclusive nature of the tournament reflected the strong sense of community fostered through INGENIUM and its partner institutions.
Participants ranged from beginners to experienced players, with many engaging in competitive chess for the first time. For some, the event also provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with personal memories and cultural traditions.
Strengthening Community and European Collaboration
The success of the event highlights the role of higher education institutions as spaces for civic engagement and international cooperation. Through the support of the INGENIUM alliance, the tournament demonstrated how universities can act as hubs for meaningful initiatives that extend beyond academic life.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of multiple partners, including Castleisland Chess Club, the Irish Chess Union, MTU staff and students, and a dedicated team of organisers and volunteers. The presence of an official arbiter ensured the integrity of play and the formal recognition of the national record.
A 49-year-old record was surpassed as a community of honourable, like-minded individuals came together — not only to achieve something historic, but to contribute to a cause of real importance.
Continued Engagement Through INGENIUM Online Chess Club
Following the success of the in-person event at MTU, Yunis Barudi continued his involvement in INGENIUM-led initiatives through a two-stage online chess tournament involving partner universities across the network. This chess club is the first club to be established across the INGENIUM alliance.
The competition began with a qualification round featuring 59 participants, from which only the top eight players advanced to the final. Yunis delivered a standout performance, scoring 6.5 out of 7 to secure first place and progress to the final stage. In the final, he maintained this exceptional form, achieving a perfect 4 out of 4 and once again finishing in first place overall.
The event also included a live-streamed component, with participants providing real-time commentary on games, combining high-level competition with an engaging, public-facing experience.
Through this initiative, the INGENIUM community once again demonstrated how collaboration across borders, disciplines, and cultures can generate meaningful change.
The event at MTU stands as a strong example of how sport, education, and community engagement can come together to support humanitarian efforts and strengthen European solidarity.
If you would like to join the INGENIUM Chess Club, please do so through the link below.
Play, Learn, Connect: Join the INGENIUM Chess Club! – Ingenium
