Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The World Wiezen Championship was held on November 10 at De Warande in Turnhout, with 312 players participating. The event, organized by Freddy Verhuizen of the IWWA, aimed to promote traditional card games and attract younger audiences. The WWA plans to organize future tournaments and workshops in Antwerp schools to increase interest in Wiezen.
The World Championship of Wiezen took place on November 10 at De Warande in Turnhout, featuring 312 players. Organized by Freddy Verhuizen of IWWA vzw (International Wiezen and Whist Association). The championship aims to boost interest in traditional card games and raise the profile of Wiezen in the card gaming community. After this event, IWWA vzw plans to continue promoting participation in Wiezen and to revive traditional card games for future generations.
What makes the Wiezen World Championship in Turnhout a milestone for traditional card games?
Wiezen is a popular card game in Antwerp and some parts of the Netherlands, played by four people. Players must go through a knockout tournament with several rounds to become the world champion. Most of the players come from Flanders, but also from other countries. Verhuizen says that while a Belgian is likely to win, a French player has won in the past. Frank, a player from Weelde, mentions that it can be hard to find four people to play during the week, so this tournament is a great chance for fans to meet. He adds that the game needs both luck and strategy, and he will need a strong comeback to win a medal.
Many people have signed up for the upcoming Wiezen tournament, indicating it will be full. Registrations closed four weeks ago after reaching the maximum number of players. The organizer, Verhuizen, stated that larger venues will be needed for future tournaments, as there are about 60,000 Wiezen players in the country. Workshops will be offered in five schools in Antwerp to teach the game to young people and provide an alternative to smartphones.
