by Jerry K Aska
The Antigua & Barbuda Chess Federation (ABCF) hosted its Annual Winter Chess Tournament on Sunday 28 December 2025, at the Catamaran Hotel in Falmouth Harbour. Players from around the island engaged in a six-round rapid tournament with separate sections for rated and unrated competitors. The rated section also served as a key qualifier for the national Olympiad teams set to compete in Uzbekistan in 2026.
The tournament was attended by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, his wife, Lady Sandra Williams, and son Brent Scotland, who met with players and observed a few rounds of play. Their presence underscored growing national support for chess, particularly as a vehicle for youth development and women’s empowerment.
President of the ABCF, Hannibal Fleming, spoke about the nation’s emerging chess field, stating: “As I’ve said, we have top international Warri players and top international dominoes players. How is it we’re not dominating in chess? The goal of this tournament was to bring exposure so we can develop the same appetite for chess as we have for other mind sports locally.”
The Rated section was won decisively by FIDE Master Dr. Guillermo Queipo Caballero, who scored a perfect 6.0 points. Master Queipo, whose peak standard FIDE rating is 2351, demonstrated elite consistency throughout the day and qualified as a returning member of the national Olympiad team.
Candidate Master Abner Farquhar followed in second with 4.5 points, also returning to the national squad. A tight race for the remaining top spots required tiebreaks, with Victor Ince securing third place. Ateila Bobb, the top female player, narrowly lost the tiebreak and finished fourth, reaffirming her status as a leading figure in local women’s chess. Vendiz Charles also finished strongly, qualifying alongside Ince as a newly selected member of the national team.
Former ABCF President Chester Grant praised Bobb’s performance, noting her history representing Antigua internationally: “You know, Ateila has gone off to represent us before, having a great performance at the 2019 CARIFTA Games and earning the country’s first-ever regional medal. I’m excited to have her as an anchor for our team in the 2026 Olympiad.”
The tournament marks a historic moment, as Antigua and Barbuda plans to send its first-ever women’s team to the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. Magela Alvarez Guerrero also qualifies for the Olympiad team, having the second-best showing amongst the female attendants.
The Unrated section was won by 14-year-old Alberto Queipo Delgado, who finished first with a perfect 6.0 points, showcasing the strength of the Federation’s youth pipeline and the growing depth of junior talent entering competitive chess.
The Winter Rapid Tournament followed a recent developmental visit by Nigel Short, FIDE Director for Chess Development, reflecting renewed momentum within the local chess community. With reserve Olympiad spots still open, the Federation is encouraging new and returning players, especially women and juniors, to compete.
“I want to encourage anyone interested in playing or learning chess to come join the federation,” said Bobb. “Being a part of our team has provided great opportunities for travel and cultural exposure. It’s always exciting being able to represent Antiguan culture to the many people you meet at these tournaments.”
The next national tournament is scheduled for the summer, with dates to be announced. Interested players are invited to register and stake their claim in Antigua and Barbuda’s growing chess future.
About the Author
Jerry K. Aska is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s best-known chess ambassadors. He is the champion of the inaugural ABCF Winter Chess Championships (2018) and a former member of the national team that represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 43rd Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia, one of the sport’s most prestigious global stages.
A nominee for Sportsman of the Year in 2018, Aska remains closely connected to the local chess community despite now living abroad, following its progress and offering support to tournaments and development efforts, particularly as the game expands its reach among women and youth.