Dana Nazarian

WA Grandmaster with a passion for Backgammon Since the Age of 6

Dana Nazarian, born in 1966 and hailing from Lexington, Massachusetts, stands as one of the premier backgammon players in the United States. His journey into the world of backgammon commenced at an early age, deeply rooted in his Armenian heritage where the game holds significant cultural importance. Under the tutelage of his father, Dana’s passion for backgammon flourished, spending countless hours honing his skills at the board.

Beyond the realm of backgammon, Dana’s professional endeavors led him to become an Executive Vice-President at Cypress Semiconductor, a prominent Silicon Valley-based semiconductor company. Prior to his corporate career, Dana also showcased his athletic prowess as a member of the 1984-85 NCAA Division I National Championship Hockey Team, displaying a multifaceted skill set that transcends various domains.

Despite his extensive experience playing with his father, Dana’s foray into live backgammon tournaments came later in life, sparked by his relocation to Minneapolis in the late 1990s. Immersing himself in the vibrant backgammon community of the Minneapolis Backgammon Club, Dana swiftly transitioned to competitive play, ascending to the prestigious Championship Division. His fervor for the game led him to numerous triumphs, including notable victories at the Silicon Valley Open, the 10th Minnesota State Backgammon Championship, the Las Vegas Open, and the 29th Pittsburgh Backgammon Championships.

Dana’s prowess at the board is further underscored by his remarkable success in jackpot events. Amongst his many accolades, Dana clinched first place in various prestigious jackpot tournaments, including the Colorado Wild West Shootout Super Jackpot (twice), Nevada State Backgammon Championship Super Jackpot, Mystic Backgammon Championship Masters Jackpot, California State Championship Masters Jackpot (twice), Sunny Florida Masters Jackpot, Texas Backgammon Championship Master Jackpot, and Michigan Backgammon Championship Masters Jackpot.

Furthermore, Dana’s exceptional skill has earned him a coveted spot on the Giants of Backgammon list #31, a testament to his standing as one of the game’s elite players. His name gracing this illustrious roster not once, but twice, solidifies his reputation as a true giant in the world of backgammon.

Beyond his personal triumphs, Dana is dedicated to passing on his wealth of knowledge and expertise as a backgammon teacher. Through online platforms, Dana imparts invaluable insights and strategies to aspiring players, fostering a new generation of backgammon enthusiasts.

Dana Nazarian’s impact on the backgammon community reverberates through his unparalleled skill on the board, his numerous event victories, and his commitment to nurturing talent. With a blend of passion, experience, and a deep-rooted connection to the game, Dana continues to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of American backgammon.