September 13, 2026
Kit Woolsey Wins the 10th Viking Backgammon Classic
The Viking Backgammon Classic marked its tenth edition this September. The tournament ran from September 2 to 7, 2026, in Bloomington, Minnesota, as a stop on the American Backgammon Tour (ABT). Results were published by the U.S. Backgammon Federation.
Odin Open: a veteran on top
The main flight, the ABT Odin Open, drew 49 players. Kit Woolsey of California, one of the best-known names in modern backgammon theory, won the event. Ray Fogerlund of Nevada finished second and Steve Waller of Minnesota placed third.
Other flights
- Thor Advanced/Intermediate (38 players): won by Dan Friedman-Shedlov of Minnesota, with Jerome Kressin second.
- Viking Beginner (14 players): won by Jennifer Zorek-Pressman of Connecticut.
- Rainbow Doubles (26 teams): won by Jack Edelson and Christina Elias of Minnesota.
The schedule also included a Players Cup event and several shorter side tournaments with Norse-themed names, from the Early Raven to the Friday Frigga. Mark Ferrin of Texas won the Grand Crystal Beaver, now in its 27th edition, beating Woolsey in the final.
Regional events like this one are where most players get their first taste of live tournament play: separate flights by level mean a beginner does not have to face a world-class expert in round one. New to the game? Start with our backgammon rules.