22 July 2025

Mind Warriors Chess Festival a Resounding Success

The recently concluded Mind Warriors Chess Festival, held on 19–20 July 2025 in collaboration with Valkyries Chess Club, has been hailed as a major success by participants, organisers, and supporters alike. The two-day event brought together chess enthusiasts of all ages (from 6 to 71) and skill levels in a vibrant celebration of the game across two great venues: Fatima College and Valpark Plaza.

On Saturday 19 July, the action kicked off at Fatima College with the Rapid Open and Rapid Novice tournaments, where players demonstrated resilience, and sportsmanship in a competitive yet friendly environment. Positive vibes!

The excitement continued on Sunday 20 July, International Chess Day, at Valpark Plaza, with the innovative Blitz 960 event and the classic Blitz Open. Shoppers and spectators at the plaza were treated to thrilling matches that showcased both speed and creativity on the chessboard.

A total prize fund of $10,000 along with trophies and medals were awarded, drawing top local talent and emerging stars. The following is a list of champions per event:

RAPID-NOVICE

 

This was a 7-round event with 43 participants. The winners were:

 

  1. Jelani Marryshow         7
  2. Krish Ramsubhag        6
  3. Makhaya Harry            5

 

Other players tied on 5 points were:  Kameron Mendoza, Zelig Williams, Isaiah Hamilton, Lucas Mitchell, Azai Wilson, Ishmel Scott               

 

Top Female

  1. Ixia Astor

 

Top Under 10

  1. Gabriel Sankar-Ramkissoon

 

Top Under 8

  1. Kaiden Springer

 

 

RAPID-OPEN

 

This was a 7-round event with 52 participants that ran concurrently with the Novice event. The winners were:

  1. Luke Anatol           5
  2. Simon Ramdath       6
  3. FM Ryan Harper           5.5
  4. CM Kael Samuel Bisnath  5.5   Tied for 3rd 
  5. CM Ravishen Singh           5.5   Tied for 3rd

 

Female

  1. Adaya Johnson            4
  2. Sandhya Ramsaroop    3.5
  3. Breanna Joseph             3

 

Under 20

  1. Saqiv Williams          5
  2. Caleb Campo            5
  3. Zayden Singh            5

 

Under 16

  1. Kaveer Soom                     5
  2. Reaz Ali                            4.5
  3. Gary Flanagan                   4.5

 

Under 12

  1. Eli Lalla                             4
  2. Zachary Nelson                   4
  3. Ejaz Maharaj                      3.5

 

50+

  1. Ricardo Stevenson                5

BLITZ 960

We understand that this was the first time a chess competition using the 960 (Fischer-Random) variant in Trinidad and Tobago was held, and the novelty generated widespread excitement. There was a three-way tie for first in the Open category with 4.5 out of 5 points. The final rankings based on the tie break are:

Open                                                                                                          

  1. Luke Anatol 5
  2. FM Kevin Cupid 5
  3. Enen-Sa-Tefa Ab Khafra 5

 

Female

  1. Sandhya Ramsaroop 3
  2. Elizabeth Khan 3

 

Under 20

  1. Caleb Campo 4

 

50+

  1. Paul Browne 4

BLITZ OPEN

The Blitz Open was also a 7-round event with FM Kevin Cupid obtaining a perfect score. The full list of winners was:

  1. FM Kevin Cupid 7
  2. FM Ryan Harper 6
  3. CM Ravishen Singh 6

Female

  1. WCM Shemilah James 4
  2. Sandhya Ramsaroop 4

Under 20                                                                                                          

  1. Luke Anatol 5
  2. Reaz Ali 5

 

50+

  1. Paul Browne      5

The Ultimate Champion prize was awarded to Luke Anatol for his consistently high performances throughout the Chess Festival. The full standings are available at the links below:

Mind Warriors Academy extends sincere gratitude to our generous partners whose support made this memorable weekend possible: Artemis Energy Limited, Memory Bank Computers, ICONS Co. Ltd., Valpark Plaza, Oliver Signs Ltd., and Sunshine Snacks Ltd. Their contributions played a vital role in promoting community engagement, youth development, and the power of chess as a tool for cognitive and social growth. We also thank Ms. Cindy-Ann John-Serrette, Property Manager-Valpark Plaza, who assisted in the distribution of prizes

Gratitude is also extended to the team of officials, which included Chief Arbiter-FM Joshua Johnson, Deputy Chief Arbiter-Dr. Sean Nedd (Tobago), Arbiters: Jesse Maharaj, Enen-Sa-Tefa Ab Khafra and CM Sean Yearwood, Master of Ceremonies for the chess festival-WIM Gabriella Johnson, Chaya Johnson-social media and refreshments supervisor, Martin Johnson, who served as PA system support and DJ and Sonja Johnson, Chief Organiser. We also thank the parents of Mind Warriors Academy, and members of Valkyries Chess Club, and other well-wishers whose support made the execution of this event almost seamless.

Joshua Johnson, Mind Warriors Academy Founder and Lead Trainer, expressed his immense satisfaction with how the events unfolded, “The success of this chess festival so heartens me. All key aspects fell into place as planned. We also had the right resources at the right time. The level of support indicates that chess continues to captivate players and bring the community together. Thank you to all who supported in various roles!”

Finally, we express heartfelt gratitude to all participants, their families, fan clubs, and ‘posses’ who showed up to celebrate International Chess Day with us over the weekend.

As we reflect on the festival’s success, Mind Warriors Academy looks forward to continuing its mission of building minds, building character, and building community through the noble game of chess.

Sonja Johnson

Mind Warriors Academy/Valkyries Chess Club

726 1246
info@mindwarriorsacademy.com
Instagram/Facebook: @MindWarriorsAcademy