2/18/2018 – In an effort to innovate and breathe some new life into the Brazilian Championship, the 84th edition, held in Rio de Janeiro, was structured as a knockout event like the World Cup. Bringing in an eclectic field headed by chess legend Henrique Mecking, it came down to a match between Krikor Mekhitarian and Alexandr Fier, won by the latter in a final thrilling game. | Photo: Albert Silver

11/28/2017 – The Duchamp Festival in Rio de Janeiro was not only a welcome change in the chess landscape in the city, but lived up to its promise of a true international event with a multitude of competitions, activities, and more. The main competition, the Master, was won by GM Neuris Delgado a full round in advance. Here is the final report. | Photo: Albert Silver

11/16/2017 – It has been literally decades since Rio de Janeiro, nicknamed the “Wonderful City” in Portuguese, has been host to a strong international tournament. The most famous by far would be the Interzonal held in 1979. The 1st Duchamp Chess Festival is underway now, held in world famous Copacabana, and brings masters and grandmasters including Brazilian legend, Henrique Mecking. | Photos: Albert Silver

10/14/2017 – From November 11-18, 2017, the Marcel Duchamp International chess festival will be held in sunny Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There will be no fewer than eight events, from the Master group with grandmasters and masters already inscribed, a sub-2200 and sub-1800 event, as well as the Brazilian Rapid and Blitz championship. All in the gorgeous setting of Rio de Janeiro. | Photo: Albert Silver

2/13/2017 – The Brazilian Championship is finally rounding the last curve as it enters the home stretch, and while it cannot claim the ultra-elite field of national championships such as Russia, it has more than made up for it in fighting spirit and fun. The top guns are leading as one might expect, but it has not been a smooth ride as even top-seed Fier nearly lost in 20 moves. Illustrated report with games and positions.

2/10/2017 – That might sound like the title of a dull round, a plaintive complaint of lack of fighting spirit, but the contrary is true here. Three is actually the grand total of non-decisive games after five rounds in a tournament with twelve players. The win rate is absolutely unprecedented, and one player has been the greatest beneficiary: Everaldo Matsuura with 5.0/5. Illustrated report with master analysis.

2/8/2017 – Celebrating its 83rd edition, the Brazilian Championship is underway, and once more is held in the tropical city Rio de Janeiro. This year brings in a fascinating roster of players and characters, all with the dream of adding the title to their resume. For a couple, it is a chance to add one more, for the others, a chance to deny the top-seeds and play the underdog hero. After two rounds it is a pitched war with only one draw in twelve games! Illustrated report with analysis.

1/19/2016 – It needs to be said that the finale of the event was somewhat anti-climatic, even if the competition itself remained a fun and qualitative step forward on several levels. The final round saw Mekhitarian assure his victory as his opponent failed to show up, securing gold with 10.0/11. In the Marcel Duchamp Memorial WIM Marisa Zuriel scored her WGM norm. Large photographic report.

1/16/2016 – The Brazilian Championship, held in the traditional Guanabara Chess Club, seemed set to establish a new record at its onset, or so the numbers appeared to dictate. The competition has instead been a two-man show, led by GM Krikor Mekhitarian and IM Evandro Barbosa right behind, and has not been short of entertainment. An illustrated report.

1/14/2016 – It would be precipitous to say that Leitão’s chances for a record eighth title are jeopardized, but it will most certainly be a small mountain to climb. After five rounds, Mekhitarian and Choma shared first with 4.0/5, but a dramatic win over Leitão, left Krikor in sole first with 5.0/6. The tournament has been a bloodbath with almost 80% wins. Report, photos, and games.

1/12/2016 – The 82nd Brazilian Championship has started in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and will run from January 9-16, 2016. This event brings not only a highly eclectic field of players who qualified from events all around the country, but also a potential for a little bit of history as Rafael Leitão tries to break a record he shares with three players: the most titles held. A rich illustrated report.

11/8/2013 – In a structure that is used in many countries still, Brazil restructured the national championship to reduce the number of automatic seeds, while requiring all others to fight for their chance, even the country's top player. One of the qualifying events took place in Rio de Janeiro at the beautiful setting of the Vasco da Gama club. Here is Albert Silver's illustrated report with GM Rafael Leitão's annotations.