JULY 2-6, 2025 Michigan Summer Backgammon Championships
Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel21111 Haggerty Rd, Novi, MI 48375
100% Return of All Sidepools!
100% Return of ABT Entry Fee!
Celebrating 50 Years!
One of the most respected backgammon tournament destinations in the USA, the Michigan Summer Backgammon Championships will host over 150 participants in the beautiful Sheraton Detroit Novi, just 25 minutes north of Detroit airport.
Michigan summers are beautiful with long days and fresh air all around. Whether you’re new or a 20 year veteran, there is something for everyone with 100% return on all divisions and plenty of exciting side events with added money from our sponsors.
Carol Joy Cole Hands over the Reins!
After more than 40 years as Director of the Michigan Summer Championships, Carol Joy Cole has retired from organizing and directing the Michigan Summer Backgammon Championships.
Ben Friesen has officially been handed the reins and welcomes Dan Minardi from the Wild West Shootout to the Michigan team. Ben and Dan will once again be joined by Mary-Ann Meese, Clare Phelps, and Butch Meese.
We hope that you will join us for the next chapter of the Michigan Summer Backgammon Championships, starting with the 50th annual event!
Thank you Carol for all you’ve done for the game of backgammon!
Featured Side Events
Wed. July 2nd, 2025
10 AM to 6 PM
BMAB Player's Cup Backgammon
Attain BMAB certified ranking with recorded matches. BMAB organizers Roberto Litzenberger and Dmitriy Obukhov.
Friday, July 4th
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Grandmaster Presentation
Join us for a free lecture on Thursday morning.
Sun, July 5th
12:00 PM
Women's World of Backgammon Fireworks Cup
Another fantastic tournament for the women of backgammon. One of the biggest Women’s tournaments in the country.
Wednesday, July 2nd
7 PM Start
$1,000 Super Jackpot
High stakes, unforgiving action. Our biggest side event for championship caliber players.
Thursday, July 3rd
1:00 PM Start
Michigan Masters Jackpot
$500 (One start time) Masters Side Pool: $200 (100% return) (Clocks required)
Sheraton Detroit - Novi
The Sheraton is 25 minutes north of Detroit Metro Airport / DTW) located off I-275 at 8 Mile Road, Exit 167. The hotel is visible from the freeway.
21111 Haggerty Road, Novi, Michigan 48375
Group booking rates are 115.00 USD – 125.00 USD per night
Last Day to Book : Monday, June 09, 2025
Making Reservations
Use the affiliate link to receive your promo code, or simply mention “Michigan Backgammon” when making a reservation. Call (248 349-4000 for phone reservations.
Airport Travel
If arriving by air, your best airport destination is Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).
Transfer to Hotel
You can call a taxi, your fare will be approximately $50-60 or we can arrange for carpool service from our tournament volunteer.
Ride share service from Steve Grob
Call or text 248-534-6251, or stevenjgrob@gmail.com
Hotel Amenities
Complimentary WiFi
Fitness Center / Indoor Pool
Pet-friendly facilities
Free parking at the hotel
Restaurant on-site
Start Your Registration
Pre-registration is mandatory and ensures accurate start times. Jackpot & Doubles Events will fill to capacity in advance. Walk-ins will be accommodated as availability allows.
USBGF Membership Required
Meet Our Team
Ben Friesen
Tournament Director
Dan Minardi
Tournament Co-Director
MaryAnn Meese
Staff
Butch Meese
Staff
Clare Phelps
Results Co-Ordinator
Sponsors
- Flint Junior Master PRINCE BARLOW
- The Queen of Backgammon CAROL JOY COLE
- Flint Club Member MIKE CLAPSADLE
- Gammon Guys ED COREY
- Nathaniel Field in memory of JUDY FIELD
- Flint Club Member STEVE GROB
- Flint Club Champion GREG MERRIMAN
- Akemi Ota in memory of EMIL MORTUK
- Gammon Stuff JOHN PIRNER Backgammon Historian
- ROBERT STOLLER Flint Club Member
- MAGGIE SWEENEY Michigan Master
- FRANK TALBOT Women’s World of Backgammon