Aykut Uzel

The Turkish “Snake Game”

Hailing from Ankara, Turkey, Aykut Uzel’s journey into the world of backgammon began during his university education, where the allure of probabilities and statistics in his statistics classes captivated his interest. With a natural affinity for numbers and mathematics since childhood, Aykut quickly grasped the intricacies of backgammon, realizing that it wasn’t merely a game of chance but rather a realm governed by experience and probability.

In 2011, at the age of 25, Aykut made a resounding entrance into the backgammon scene by clinching the championship in a tournament in his city, amidst seasoned players who regarded him as a newcomer. This victory served as a catalyst for his burgeoning passion, propelling him to test his skills on a larger stage. His journey took him to Cyprus, where he participated in the prestigious Pasha tournament, reaching the final in the master category and facing off against the renowned Tobias Hellwag in a thrilling match that showcased his formidable talent.

Emboldened by his success, Aykut transitioned to a professional career in backgammon, leaving behind his banking job to pursue his passion wholeheartedly. Over the course of his illustrious 17-year career, Aykut has amassed a plethora of accolades, competing in major tournaments, playing numerous finals, and securing championship titles. Among his achievements are seven-time Ankara Backgammon Club champion, four-time Ankara Backgammon Club finalist, nine-time Ankara Backgammon Club Super Jackpot winner, one-time WBF Ankara Open Master winner, two-time Istavder Istanbul Open finalist, as well as several victories and final appearances in various other Turkish cities. Additionally, he was a finalist in the 2023 Dubai Mega Jackpot. He attributes his success not only to his meticulous analysis of matches, which has minimized his error rate to an impressive 3-4%, but also to his keen understanding of psychology and his wealth of experience in the game.

A testament to Aykut’s ingenuity and strategic prowess is his historic victory in the Oasis tournament in Dubai in 2021, where he employed an unconventional strategy known as the “snake game” to clinch the championship. This remarkable feat, captured in a 40-minute-long match, exemplifies Aykut’s ability to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity, ultimately emerging victorious.

Aykut’s impact extends beyond the tournament circuit, as he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of backgammon players through private lessons and tournament organization. His trove of trophies, displayed proudly in his home, serves as a testament to his enduring legacy as a true maverick in the world of backgammon.