OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
Introducing the Elite Team Behind the Ultimate Backgammon Tournament Experience
ARDA FINDIKOGLU
Tournament Adviser
AVI "SHESHBESH" COHEN
Tournament Producer
BEN FRIESEN
Head Director
FRANK FRIGO
Boot Camp Director
BEN FRIESEN
Head Director
Benjamin Friesen has become one of the most active tournament organizers and directors in American backgammon, with a particular focus on using technology to improve the player experience. He has directed numerous in-person ABT events, including the Ohio State Backgammon Championship, Michigan Summer Backgammon Championship, Cherry Blossom Backgammon Championship, Los Angeles Open, California State Backgammon Championship, Sunny Florida Backgammon Championship, and the Wild West Shootout in Denver.
Ben has also served the U.S. Backgammon Federation in a wide range of roles, including bookkeeper, treasurer, Director of Tournament Support, Online Tournament Series Director, seven-year Board Member, and now President of the U.S. Backgammon Federation. During the pandemic, he created and directed ABT Online!, helping keep competitive tournament backgammon active during a difficult period for live events.
His specialty is integrating technology into tournament management, with the goal of making events smoother, more professional, and more enjoyable for players, directors, and spectators alike.
As a player, Ben holds a BMAB M3 title and has earned several major runner-up finishes, including at the Michigan Summer Championships in 2013 and 2014, Montenegro 2018, Jamaica 2023, Ohio 2025, and St. Louis 2026. He especially enjoys doubles, with notable placements including 1st place in Las Vegas and at the Japan Open, 2nd place at the Illinois State Backgammon Championship and in Wisconsin, 2nd and 3rd in Michigan, and 3rd-place finishes in Texas and Atlanta.
Arda Fındıkoğlu
Tournament Adviser
Arda Fındıkoğlu is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading backgammon tournament directors, with more than 25 years of experience organizing over 300 international events. His impressive portfolio includes the prestigious World Backgammon Championship in Monte Carlo, the Merit Open in Northern Cyprus, and collaborations with organizations such as the WBF, WBGF, and Backgammon Galaxy.
Known for his professionalism, innovation, and warm hospitality, Arda creates tournaments that combine world-class competition with an unforgettable player experience. His signature Gala Awards Ceremony has become a hallmark of the Miami Open, celebrating champions in a memorable and elegant setting.
Returning as Tournament Adviser for the 3rd Miami Open Backgammon Championship, Arda continues to raise the standard of backgammon events in North America. Together with producer Avi Cohen and head director Ben Friesen, they are committed to delivering an exceptional tournament featuring elite competition, outstanding organization, professional streaming, educational programs, and an atmosphere that welcomes players from around the world.
Frank Frigo
Boot Camp Director
Frank Frigo is a two-time world champion, both a grandmaster and a giant of backgammon, and an esteemed teacher. With an illustrious career spanning four decades, Frank is uniquely recognized as the only player to hold World Backgammon Championship titles in both the pre- and post-bot eras.
Beyond his accomplishments as a player, Frank is a trailblazer in the field of decision science and game strategy. He co-created the first fully customizable simulation model for optimizing NFL in-game strategy, playing a pivotal role in the NFL analytics revolution. He is a strategic consultant for professional sports teams and within the sports betting and gaming industries. Frank’s impact extends beyond the realm of sports and games, as he is a recognized authority in critical thinking and decision science. His insights have been featured in major news media outlets and he has been invited as a keynote speaker at prestigious universities and corporate events across the United States.
He proudly serves as the co-director of the San Diego Backgammon Club, which is one of the fastest-growing and most successful local clubs in the country.
Avi (Sheshbesh) Cohen
Tournament Producer
Avi “Sheshbesh” Cohen is the founder of Backgammon Connection, producer of the Miami Open Backgammon Championship, Florida Backgammon Champion, and one of the driving forces behind the growth of competitive backgammon in North America.
Since entering the international backgammon scene, Avi has earned numerous tournament victories while dedicating himself to expanding the game through innovation, education, and community building. His vision led to the creation of Backgammon Connection, a global platform that connects players with world-class instruction, online qualifiers, premium equipment, and affordable opportunities to compete in major live tournaments around the world.
A passionate teacher and organizer, Avi introduced the popular Traditional Backgammon Tournament (TBT), educational boot camps, and international qualifier programs that have opened the doors for hundreds of players to experience world-class events for the first time.
Following two highly successful Miami Open Championships that broke multiple U.S. and world attendance records, Avi is now producing the 3rd Miami Open Backgammon Championship. Together with Head Director Ben Friesen and Tournament Adviser Arda Fındıkoğlu, he continues to raise the standard for backgammon events in North America by delivering elite competition, professional streaming, educational programs, and a welcoming atmosphere for players from more than 25 countries.
Driven by a passion for growing the game, Avi’s mission is simple: connect the global backgammon community and create world-class experiences for players of every level.
Meet Our Team
Side Events Director
Side Events Assistant
Players Cup Director
Social Media Director
Registration / Translator / Table Set Ups / Accessories
Guest Experience Director
Novice Social Event Director
Tournament Entertainment and Energy!
Avi, Meital, Shay li & Emily
The Miami Open is more than just a tournament; it’s a labor of love from the Cohen family. Avi, Meital, Shay Li, and Emily work year-round to create an unforgettable experience for every player, guest, and Backgammon fan. As a family-run event, the Miami Open reflects its passion for excellence, hospitality, and the growth of the game. From elevating the atmosphere to ensuring every detail is top-tier, their commitment shines through in every corner of the event.
Beyond the beachside boards, they’re also building the future through Backgammon Connection, which offers qualifiers to major global tournaments and educational opportunities for the next generation.
Stay tuned, stay rolling, and stay connected, great things are on the way from the Backgammon Family! 🎲❤️