Our story
Isledik didn’t start as a business. We were just a group of friends who got together regularly for board game nights and wanted something more organized.
We wanted real competition – a proper draw, fair awards, trackable results. At the same time, we didn’t want to lose the casual atmosphere that makes board games so enjoyable.
So we created something in between: a club where competition is taken seriously, but where you never feel like an outsider just because you’re a beginner.
The name “Isledik” doesn’t really have any meaning. It’s a made-up word we used in our internal group chat, and it stuck. We kept it because it sounded like it meant something, and the community really made it meaningful.
The community
Our players range from casual weekend players to those who have been studying game theory for years. We want to maintain that mix.
What does the Isledik community look like:
• Level 1 players, from complete beginners to experienced competitors
• Individual players, pairs and established teams
• Students, working adults and retirees
• People who came to a free event and never left
We don’t have a strict membership policy. You can come to a free event even once a month and call yourself a member of the community just as easily as those who play every other week.
The philosophy of competitions
We believe that a good competition has three qualities: clear rules, fair draws and a good atmosphere. Everything we do is built on these three things.
Clear rules:
Full rules can be found on the Isledik event page before registration opens. There are no surprises on the day of the event.
Fair draw:
Most multi-round events use Swiss-style pairings, and shorter formats use single or double elimination. Seeding is based on your current ranking or skill level — not random.
Good mood:
We ask all participants to play with respect for their opponents, spectators, and the games themselves. Disputes will be resolved by a neutral referee. We have never had any serious incidents and we would like to keep it that way.
Why players join Isledik
We asked our community. Here’s what they said.
“I came to a free Catan tournament and I was already leading a team the next season.”
“The ranking system makes this game make sense.”
“This is the only place in The UK where I can play Codenames competitively with people who really know the game.”
“I appreciate being able to come without paying and still get a full competitive experience.”
“The organizers really know the games. They don’t just keep the scoreboard – they explain the rules exactly.”