The VBI Draughts Club is the 2026 Dutch Champion!
In a thrilling final, the VBI draughts club managed to claim the 2026 Dutch championship title. For a long time, it seemed that the title would go to the WSDV Wageningen club, but in the final phase of the match, the draughts players from Huissen ultimately secured the victory thanks to wins by Wouter Ludwig and Thomy Lucien Mbongo.
Who would have thought! A team with a very balanced roster—one that didn’t make it to the Final Four last year—has become the national champion. And they beat the most “star-studded” team in the Dutch league! Bravo!
Here’s what we wrote about the finalists two weeks ago:
Team VBI Huissen :Thomy Lucien Mbongo , Jos Stokkel, Vadim Virny, Johan Krajenbrink. This year, the team is fielding a balanced lineup without any top-tier stars. Last year, the club’s team failed to reach the championship game and finished in sixth place, losing to the top three teams.
Team WSDV : Emre Hageman, Jan Groenendijk, Simon Harmsma, Alexander Baliakin, Alexander Shvartsman. This is arguably the most star-studded team. Any one of the players listed could tip the balance in their favor in a crucial match. Last year (2025), the club’s team finished in second place, losing to DamCombinatie Fryslân in the final.
Just like last year, the WSDV team lost in the final again this year. It’s hard to accuse the team of lacking a winning spirit. But… something was missing once more. Alexander Shvartsman’s performance was impressive once again, as he won his game against Johan Krajenbrink. However, two of the team’s boards (not the top ones) lost. And on the top boards, the opposing team held their ground.
Congratulations to the VBI Huissen team on their well-deserved and hard-fought victory. We also invite you to watch the broadcast by the Dutch channel.