Introduction
Every November, the Miami Open Backgammon Championship transforms the Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort into something magical. Beyond the elite competition and championship matches, the most inspiring stories come from first-time participants whose lives are forever changed by their inaugural Miami Open experience.
These newcomers arrive nervous and uncertain, but leave as confident competitors and lifelong members of a welcoming global community. Here are five remarkable journeys that showcase what makes the Miami Open truly special.
Gal Ohayon: The Qualifier's Dream Come True
Gal Ohayon, a software engineer from Israel, never imagined a casual backgammon game would lead him to Miami’s sun-soaked beaches. Just 18 months after discovering the game, he won a Miami Open qualifier in Seattle, earning a fully sponsored trip to the tournament.
“When I won the last game, I thought it was a prank,” Sarah laughs. “Playing alongside world champions at the Newport Beachside seemed like a fantasy.”
The Miami Open’s comprehensive support system included pre-tournament coaching, study materials, and connections to other first-timers. The boot camp sessions with world-class instructors proved transformational, but what struck Sarah most was the community’s warmth.
“I expected to feel intimidated. Instead, I felt like I was joining a family reunion where everyone was excited to meet me,” he recalls. “Players I’d only seen in streaming coverage were introducing themselves and offering encouragement.”
Gal’s deep run in the Advanced division exceeded all expectations. More importantly, he found his place in the Miami Open family.
“I remember exactly how nervous I felt during my first Miami Open match,” he says. “Now I get to be the person who helps others feel at home.”
Next-Gen Spotlight: Hannah Derosier & Zachary Kohan
The 2024 Miami Open Youth Championship match was a highlight of the tournament, as rising stars Hannah Derosier and Zachary Kohan faced off in a thrilling final.
Unlike some adult newcomers, Hannah and Zachary had already begun making names for themselves in youth circuits, but the energy of the Miami Open, with its beachfront setting and world-class competition, was a brand new experience.
Their final match drew a crowd of players of all ages, who gathered courtside and along the streaming area to support the next generation. Hannah emerged victorious, delivering a sharp and focused performance, while Zachary impressed the crowd with his resilience and creativity under pressure. Their sportsmanship and competitive spirit were a powerful reminder of what the Miami Open is all about.
Both players received custom backgammon boards and trophies and were honored in a special award ceremony. The moment marked not only their achievements, but the Miami Open’s growing commitment to youth development.
“They represented the future of the game with class and confidence,” said tournament Producer Avi. “And we can’t wait to welcome them back next year.”
In 2025, Hannah and Zachary will return—this time as the ones to beat.
🎥 Watch their full championship match here: [Finals Miami Open Youth Event]
Elena Petrov: Building International Bridges
Elena Petrov discovered the Miami Open through social media while studying international relations in Prague. Fascinated by the tournament’s global character and beachfront setting, she applied for the international outreach program despite having no formal tournament experience.
“I was studying international cooperation academically,” Elena explains, “and became curious about how the Miami Open functioned as a global gathering in such a beautiful setting.”
The Miami Open’s support extended beyond backgammon to cultural adaptation and travel logistics. Paired with cultural mentor Robert Chen, Elena learned not just tournament procedures but the social dynamics that make newcomers feel welcome.
“I expected to feel like a foreigner, but discovered the Miami Open community is truly global,” she observes. “Players from every continent, united by their love for the game and appreciation for the tournament’s unique setting.”
Elena’s multilingual abilities made her a cultural bridge between international participants. Her academic thesis on the Miami Open as a case study in international community building was later published, establishing the tournament as a legitimate subject for cultural diplomacy research.
World-Class Mentorship
Beachfront Learning Environment
Global Network Access
Instant connections to international backgammon community and lifelong friendships
Comprehensive Support System
From travel logistics to cultural adaptation, every detail handled for first-timers
Multiple Pathways to Participation
Life-Changing Experience Guarantee
David W: The Twenty-Year Comeback
David Thompson’s Miami Open arrival carried the weight of a twenty-year absence from competitive backgammon. Once a rising star, life had gradually pulled him away from the game until the pandemic rekindled his passion through online play.
“I was terrified,” David admits. “Twenty years is a long time, and I felt like I was starting over. But if I was going to make a comeback, the Miami Open seemed like the perfect place.”
The tournament’s reputation for welcoming all backgrounds made it ideal for his return. Miami Open organizers connected him with other “comeback” players, creating a support network that eased his transition back to live competition.
“The response was overwhelming,” David recalls. “Players I hadn’t spoken to in decades reached out with encouragement. It reminded me why I’d loved this community so much.”
At the Newport Beachside, David found both familiar rhythms and exciting evolution. The streaming coverage, international scope, and sophisticated organization showed how much the Miami Open had grown during his absence.
“It was like returning to a childhood home that had been beautifully renovated,” he observes. “The essential character remained, but everything had been elevated.”
David’s respectable performance was less important than the inspiration he offered to other former players considering their returns. Since that first Miami Open, he’s become a regular face in the community—ready to compete again this November and mentor others on their comeback journeys.
“The Miami Open changed everything,” David reflects. “It showed me that with dedication, support, and opportunity, anyone can achieve things they never thought possible.”
What Makes the Miami Open Special for Newcomers
These stories illustrate what sets the Miami Open apart: its deliberate commitment to welcoming and nurturing first-time participants. Several key factors create an environment where newcomers thrive:
The Setting: The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort provides a relaxed beachfront atmosphere that eases first-timer nervousness while maintaining serious competitive standards.
Comprehensive Support: From bootcamp sessions to mentorship programs, the Miami Open provides multiple layers of guidance for both competitive and social aspects.
Inclusive Programs: Qualifier tournaments, scholarships, and outreach initiatives ensure financial barriers don’t prevent deserving players from participating.
Global Community: The international character creates connections between players from different backgrounds, enriching everyone’s experience.
Welcoming Culture: The tournament community actively embraces newcomers, recognizing that today’s beginners are tomorrow’s champions and ambassadors.
The Miami Open Promise
For anyone considering their first Miami Open, these stories provide both inspiration and reassurance. They demonstrate that the tournament community genuinely welcomes newcomers, that success is possible regardless of background, and that the relationships formed extend far beyond the playing room.
The Miami Open continues evolving its newcomer programs, always seeking new ways to identify talent and create transformative experiences. The tournament’s commitment ensures that future first-timers will find the same welcoming community and life-changing opportunities that have made the Miami Open a beacon for backgammon players worldwide.
Whether you’re a qualifier winner, youth player, international participant, comeback story, or community center discovery, the Miami Open offers a pathway to excellence in one of the world’s most beautiful settings. The only question is: will your story be next?
