On 30 September 2025, the charming town of Vela Luka, Croatia hosted a unique chess event: a simultaneous exhibition match (chess simul) featuring WIM Lena Govedarica (ex Miladinović) and WIM Sandra Đukić, members of the fast-growing global chess platform Outpost Chess.
The event, organized by the young and dedicated Chess Club Vela Luka with the support of the Municipality of Vela Luka, brought together local chess enthusiasts in a special duel: ŠK Vela Luka vs. Outpost Chess.
The Chess Simul Format
A chess simul, short for simultaneous exhibition, is a special event where one (or several) strong players face a large group of opponents at the same time. Usually, the master moves from board to board, making one move against each opponent. This format is both entertaining for the audience and challenging for the master, who must calculate multiple games in parallel.
In Vela Luka’s alternative simul, things were taken a step further: 24 players faced two WIMs on each board. Lena and Sandra alternated moves on the same position, forcing them to adapt to each other’s style and ideas which is a truly demanding but exciting format!
A Marathon Battle
After 4 hours of concentrated play, the final score was:
✅ 20 victories for Lena and Sandra
🤝 4 draws for the local heroes
The draws were secured by a Slovenian guest\tourist Joze Joža Rupar, and ŠK Vela Luka members Boris Padovan, Božena Bačić, and Jure Franulović, who proudly resisted the international masters.
Unforgettable Hospitality
What made this event shine was not only the chess, but also the warmth, hospitality, and enthusiasm of ŠK Vela Luka. From its young talents eager to learn, to its senior members who bring wisdom and continuity, the club showed what true community spirit looks like.
Special recognition goes to Marjan Franulović, founder and president of ŠK Vela Luka, whose passion and vision turned the idea into reality. With the help of supportive club members, local institutions, and volunteers, the simul became more than a competition - it was a true celebration of chess culture.
Despite stormy weather moving the event indoors, the hosts quickly adapted, opening the doors of the historic Elementary School Vela Luka (dating back to 1911). Games were played in the Oliver Dragojević music hall classroom, giving the simul a cultural and symbolic atmosphere. Guests were even greeted with thoughtful gifts from the Tourist Board of Vela Luka presented by teacher and chess enthusiast Franka Dragojević.
More Than Just Games
As the local players themselves put it:“There’s no shame in losing to stronger players - the real victory is in what we learned.” The simul left behind not only memorable games, but also new knowledge, shared joy, and connections that will last long after the last move was played.
Try Us Next Time!
If your chess club would also like to test its strength against Outposters, WIM Lena Govedarica and WIM Sandra Đukić are ready for the challenge! 🏆 👉 Contact us at info@outpostchess.com to organize a simul with Outpost Chess.
✨Moments from the simul, captured in photos:
All participants in front of Elementary school Vela Luka
WIM Sandra with the youngest boy
WIM Lena vs Jure
The last game
Sandra, Marjan & Lena
