Chess and swimming may seem like an unlikely combination, but for CM Michal Mazurkiewicz from Poland, it’s the perfect blend of mental agility and physical endurance. The 34-year-old has made waves in the world of sports and mind games by securing a spot in the Guinness World Records for the “Most simultaneous diving chess opponents.
The Guinness Book of World Records is famous for tracking some of the most spectacular feats across the globe, including some remarkable chess records. From the longest chess marathon to the “Fastest time to arrange a chess set while being blindfolded,” there is no shortage of extraordinary milestones. Mazurkiewicz, however, has carved his name in the unique category of diving chess, one of the most physically demanding disciplines.
In diving chess, the game is played in a swimming pool, with a submerged chessboard and magnetized pieces to prevent them from floating away. Players take turns diving beneath the surface, holding their breath while contemplating their next move. They can only surface after making their move, at which point their opponent dives down to think about their response.
Mazurkiewicz, who is also the reigning Diving World Chess Champion—having won the title three times—shares how this unusual sport came into his life. “I’ve been passionate about chess since childhood,” he explained. “Swimming and diving were also hobbies, but I began training in the pool regularly after a back injury during the pandemic. When I first heard about the Polish Diving Chess Championships in 2021, I thought it was the perfect combination for me.”
From there, he connected with Elan Ilfeld, the main organizer of the Mind Sports Olympiad and the inventor of diving chess. After winning three consecutive world titles in this sport, Mazurkiewicz sought a new challenge—not only to test his limits but to promote this niche sport to a wider audience. The idea of setting a Guinness World Record soon followed.
In 2023, Mazurkiewicz took his passion to the next level by hosting a diving chess simul for charity, where he played against six opponents. It was a casual event, but its media attention sparked his desire for something bigger. “I thought, ‘Let’s do something more to promote the discipline—maybe a Guinness Record?'” he shared.
To officially set the record, he had to meet strict Guinness regulations. His 16 opponents had to be FIDE-rated and at least 16 years old. Each player was allowed only one breath per move, and no diving equipment was permitted. He needed to win or draw at least 13 out of 16 games, playing against opponents with ratings ranging from 1400 to 2450, including one international master. The entire event had to be documented from multiple angles to ensure all rules were followed.
“The hardest part wasn’t just the games themselves,” he recalled, “it was managing the logistics. I had to deal with floating pieces, game resignations, and making sure every move was captured on camera—all while keeping my concentration intact and diving repeatedly. One mistake could have invalidated the entire effort, which added a lot of stress.”
Despite the challenges, Mazurkiewicz succeeded, finishing with a score of 13.5/16. The event, which lasted around 100 minutes, was physically taxing. “It was huge stress, with no breaks to catch my breath or drink water, but it was definitely worth it!” he said. He estimates that during the event, he dove approximately 700 times.
The final tally of his efforts earned him the Guinness World Record for the “Most simultaneous diving chess opponents.” “I felt immense satisfaction, but I was also completely exhausted,” he confessed. “I knew it would be tough, but I didn’t expect it to be that hard.”
Mazurkiewicz’s dedication and preparation paid off. “I’m very satisfied because I put a lot of effort and heart into months of preparation. I’ve never been a professional athlete, so this was new for me. I wouldn’t say it was a dream, but more like another goal achieved.”
Beyond the record itself, diving chess has pushed Mazurkiewicz to improve his chess skills and physical fitness. “I can feel real improvement in both areas,” he explained.
Looking ahead, he’s not ruling out future attempts to improve his record. “I’m pretty sure 20 is doable,” he said confidently. “I hope that more people will learn about this sport and have the chance to try it. It’s something that combines both mental and physical challenge, and I think more people could enjoy it.”
Mazurkiewicz’s Guinness World Record is not just a testament to his individual achievement, but also a milestone in the promotion of diving chess as a serious sport. His goal of spreading awareness and encouraging others to dive into this unique challenge could inspire future records and, perhaps, a broader acceptance of this exciting combination of swimming and chess.
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