The Tribune

THE Bahamas Chess Federation (BCF) is proud to announce the return of the Bahamas National Chess Championship 2026, the federation’s premier over-the-board competition and one of the country’s most enduring annual sporting traditions.

This year’s championship will be a FIDE-rated, 10-player round-robin staged over nine rounds, running Friday, January 23 to Sunday, February 1 at Boost Academy.

The field features 10 of the nation’s top performers, each earning qualification through performance and consistency across the local chess calendar. Competing for the 2026 crown are FIDE Master Cecil Moncur (2025 National Champion), Avian Pride (2025 Junior National Champion), Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Chika Pride (Junior National Female Champion and the only female qualifier), CM Kendrick Knowles (five-time National Champion), William Davis, Dr. Kenville Lockhart, Sohan Umesh, Curtis Pride Jr, Philip Hanna Jr and Bharath Nair.

With 2026 being an Olympiad year, the championship carries added significance. In addition to the national title and cash prize, the 2026 national champion will receive an automatic place on Team Bahamas for the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, raising the stakes for every round.

“As president of the Bahamas Chess Federation, it is a privilege to welcome back our National Championship and to see this calibre of talent on one stage," said Curtis Pride Sr, president of the BCF.

"In an Olympiad year, every round carries added meaning because the champion will earn an automatic place on Team Bahamas for the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.

“Each qualifier has already proven they belong among the country’s best, and now the challenge is to stay composed, prepare well, and deliver when it matters most. I wish all players their very best and look forward to an exciting championship.”

The tournament will be officiated by chief arbiter international arbiter (IA) Andre White, and matches will be streamed live via DGT boards, allowing chess fans at home and abroad to follow the games as they unfold.

BCF encourages the public, supporters and the wider chess community to stay engaged throughout the championship by following updates, pairings and results on bahamaschessfederation.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @Bahamas Chess Federation. 

Nationals 2026 Schedule (Boost Academy)

Round 1: Friday, January 23 @ 6pm

Round 2: Saturday, January 24 @ 9am

Round 3: Saturday, January 24 @ 2:30pm

Round 4: Sunday, January 25 @ 9am

Round 5: Sunday, January 25 @ 2:30pm

Round 6: Friday, January 30 @ 6pm

Round 7: Saturday, January 31 @ 9am

Round 8: Saturday, January 31 @ 2:30pm

Round 9: Sunday, February 1 @ 9:00am

Awards Ceremony: Sunday, February 1 — 15 minutes after the end of Round 9