GEORGE NEWS - A mother and daughter from George secured their places among South Africa's top Catan players when they both reached the final table at the South African Catan National Championships, held at Wizards Collection in Cape Town on Saturday 31 October.
The nationals brought together 60 of the country's top players. Lizzy Henderson (15), a Grade 9 learner of York High, finished third, while her mother, Michelle, claimed fourth place,
Lizzy is also the youngest player in the local Catan league.
Catan is a popular strategy board game in which players compete to develop settlements, build roads and cities, and trade resources such as wood, brick, wheat, sheep and ore. Players use strategic planning, negotiation and resource management to earn victory points and win the game.
The national championship followed a competitive format, with three preliminary rounds determining the top 16 players who advanced to the semi-finals. The four semi-final winners then competed at the final table to determine the national champion.
Luryk Nadel from Cape Town claimed the national title and earned the opportunity to represent South Africa at the 2027 Catan World Championship.
The Hendersons, representing the George Games Group, were the only finalists from George.
The final four of the SA 2026 National Catan Championships: Lizzy Henderson, Jacqueline Gouws, Michelle Henderson and Luryk Nadel. Photo: Supplied
Michelle is no stranger to the national competition, having participated in 2024, 2025 and 2026, while Lizzy competed in both 2025 and 2026.
The qualifying Catan league in George is hosted annually by the George Games Group and organised by Eden Toys and Unplug Yourself, allowing local enthusiasts to develop their skills and compete at national level.
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