Bakar Matikashvili

The Tbilisi Champion

Bakar Matikashvili, a prominent figure in the world of backgammon, was born in 1972 in Tbilisi, Georgia. His journey into the game began in childhood, where he was introduced to the traditional version of backgammon, which differs slightly from the internationally recognized game. Bakar’s passion for the game ignited early on, and he honed his skills over the years, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in backgammon.

After completing his high school education, Bakar pursued higher studies at Tbilisi State University, where he graduated from the Faculty of Informatics with a master’s degree in software development. Armed with a solid educational background, Bakar seamlessly merged his academic expertise with his love for backgammon, leveraging technology to enhance his gameplay.

In the early 2000s, Bakar made the transition to backgammon, primarily engaging in online play to further refine his strategies and tactics. His dedication and determination soon caught the attention of the international backgammon community, leading him to participate in his first international tournament, the 1st World Backgammon Trophy, held in Tbilisi in 2016.

Since then, Bakar has emerged as a formidable force in the global backgammon circuit, representing Team Georgia both in live events and online competitions. His impressive list of achievements includes notable victories such as the “Merit Open Montenegro Grand Prix” in 2019, where he claimed the championship title, and the “3rd Northern Cyprus Limak Open” in the same year, where he secured the prestigious Speedgammon Champion title. He also secured the runner-up position at the “Malta Open” in 2022, showcasing his skill on the international stage.

Bakar’s prowess extends beyond individual triumphs, as evidenced by his success in team events. He played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory at the 7th International Merit Open University of Gammon Teams in 2019, Speed doubles “Istavder Anniversary” champion in 2022 and Doubles “Istavder Anniversary” runner up in 2022, showcasing his ability to excel in collaborative settings.

In addition to his live tournament successes, Bakar has also made his mark in online competitions, earning accolades such as the “7th EBIF Open” title in 2016. His consistent performance and strategic brilliance have earned him widespread recognition both domestically and internationally.

With five Georgian championship titles to his name (2004, 2005, 2014, 2016, 2020), Bakar Matikashvili stands as a beacon of excellence in the Georgian backgammon community, embodying the spirit of perseverance, skill, and sportsmanship. As he continues to pursue greatness on the backgammon board, Bakar remains a formidable contender and a source of inspiration for aspiring players around the world.