2026 Viking Backgammon Classic

The Viking Backgammon Classic is an annual American Backgammon Tour (ABT) event scheduled over Labor Day weekend, at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington in Minnesota. The event will feature 2 divisions of a “Full Swiss Format” tournament schedule. There are many side events, such as BMAB Players Cup, Jackpots, Blitz, Doubles, and a backgammon variant called “Cash Money Pokergammon.”

The Viking Classic is known for its wonderful tribute to Nordic culture and trophies are some of the most sought after on the ABT circuit.

Wednesday 9/2

EVENING​
Riverboat Chouette Night – Purchase Tickets on our Registration Page
4:00 p.m.               Ride-share gathering at Tournament Hotel
5:00 p.m.               Boarding and Happy Hour at Harriet Island
6:00 p.m.               Boat Departs – Complimentary Taco Bar & 2-for-1 Margaritas, Chouette
7:30 p.m.               Boat Returns

Thursday 9/3

10:00 a.m.            Registration Opens
11:00 a.m.            Players Cup BMAB Tournament Start: Round 1
7:00 p.m.               Early Ravens

Friday 9/4

MORNING
9:30 a.m.             Registration Opens
10:00 a.m.          ABT Payment Deadline
11:00 a.m.          Calcutta Auction + Prize Drawing
​
AFTERNOON
12:30 p.m.            ABT Announcements + Prize Drawing
1:00 p.m.               ABT Round 1
3:00 p.m.               ABT Round 2
5:00 p.m.               Rainbow Bridge Doubles Starts
5:00 p.m.               Continuous Entry Side Events Begin:  Friday Frigga / Shieldmaiden /  Midgards 
7:00-8:00. Dinner Break
8:00 p.m.               Doubles and non-ABT events continue

Saturday 9/5

MORNING
9:30 a.m.             Novice Workshop, day 1 begins
​9:30 a.m.              Learning Session + Prize Drawing: Match Play with Neil Kazaross. Sharpen your match play with Neil Kazaross, #1 all-time ABT points leader, Hall of Famer, and all-around warrior of the board. Free to attend
10:30 a.m.            Non ABT Play Resumes
                                   Grand Crystal Beaver Starts
                                   Berserker Jackpot Starts

AFTERNOON
1:00 p.m.               ABT Round 3
3:00 p.m.              ABT Round 4
5:00 p.m.              ABT Round 5
7:00-9:00. Dinner Break
9:00 p.m.              Non ABT Play continues

Sunday 9/6

MORNING
9:30 a.m.             Novice Workshop, day 2 begins
​10:00 a.m.            Non ABT Play Resumes
                                   Longship Jackpot Starts
​
AFTERNOON
12:00 p.m.             ABT Viking Beginner Starts (payment deadline 11 a.m. )
1:00 p.m.               ABT Round 6
3:00 p.m.              ABT Round 7
5:00 p.m.              ABT Round 8
7:00-9:00. Dinner Break
9:00 p.m.              ABT Round 9
9:00 p.m.              Non-ABT Play continues

Labor Day Monday 9/7

MORNING
11:00 a.m.            Non ABT Play Resumes
11:00 a.m.            Cash Money Pokergammon begins (players must be out of all other events)
11:00 a.m.            ABT Round 10
​
AFTERNOON
1:00 p.m.              ABT Round 11
3:00 p.m.              ABT Round 12
5:00 p.m.              ABT Round 13

For more information or to register, you can visit the provided website. The tournament directors, April and Michael Mesich, can be contacted via phone, email, or social media.