Chess on Brazil’s Beaches

The ninth edition of the Abierto Sesc Caiobá was recently held on Brazil’s coast. For an entire week, the sound of crashing waves blended with the ticking of digital clocks and the quiet movement of chess pieces across the board.

Carefully organized by the Center for Chess Excellence, with essential support from Sesc Caiobá, the tournament brought together chess masters from around the world. Around 200 amateur and professional players, coaches, arbiters, and entire families took part, turning the city of Caiobá (Matinhos, Paraná) into the temporary chess capital of South America.

Alexandr Fier Dominates the Classical Tournament

As in previous editions, the main event was the classical tournament, played over nine rounds in the Swiss system. More than 200 players from various countries took part, including numerous Grandmasters (GMs), International Masters (IMs), and rising young talents.

The clear winner was Brazilian Grandmaster Alexandr Fier, who claimed the title with an outstanding score of 8 out of 9 points, showcasing both his strength and experience. Fier, a successful competitor in Olympiads and European tournaments, displayed fighting spirit, tactical sharpness, and great precision in the decisive moments.

Second place went to Serbian GM Aleksa Strikovic, who scored 7½ points and, at 63 years old, continued to offer lessons in positional play and strategic depth. The podium was completed by Brazilian GM Renato Quintiliano, also with 7½ points. Bolivian IM Licael Ticona had the same score but a worse tiebreak.

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Rapid and Blitz: Fast-Paced Chess, High-Paced Emotions

As is tradition in Caiobá, the tournament program also featured two parallel events that thrilled both players and spectators: the rapid tournament (15+5) and the electrifying blitz tournament (3+2).

In the rapid event, the standout performer was Argentine Grandmaster Sandro Mareco, the top-ranked player in his country and a regular competitor in major continental tournaments. Mareco demonstrated technical skill, precision, and a determined approach, securing the title with a flawless performance.

The blitz tournament, in turn, was a true celebration of speed and mental reflexes. The winner was American GM Conrad Holt, who emerged on top in a field full of talent. Known for his ability to calculate complex positions at lightning speed, Holt proved that in blitz mode, he was always one move ahead.

More information on chess-results: Rapid | Blitz

More Than Just a Tournament: Education, Community, and Chess Culture

One of the most appreciated aspects of the event was the diversity of its accompanying program. Technical lectures, panel discussions, and open training sessions were offered, designed not only for players but also for coaches and parents.

Topics covered included high-performance sports psychology, training methods for children and young talents, preparation for international tournaments, analysis of elite-level games, and chess as an educational tool. Among the featured speakers were Masters Valerio Brusamolin, Augusto Tirado, and Ernani Buchmann.

This educational and community-focused approach gives the tournament a unique place in the region. Caiobá offers not just a competitive environment, but also a space for learning, exchange, and growth for the entire chess community.

This is how participants experienced the 9th edition of this international tournament, an event that has become a fixture in the traditional Latin American chess calendar and one that exceeded all expectations this year.

A Seamless Experience: Organization, Hospitality, and a Model Event

None of this would have been possible without a solid organizational foundation. The main responsibility once again rested with the Center for Chess Excellence, an institution dedicated to the holistic development of Brazilian chess. Its technical and logistical team ensured the smooth running of the entire event: every round started on time, social media coverage was extensive, games were published in real time, and participants received personalized support throughout.

The tournament also featured a rare highlight: all players were housed in the same building where the games were played—the beautiful Sesc Caiobá hotel, located right on the beach. This setting offered not only comfort and high-quality meals, but also a warm, relaxed atmosphere that blended sport, vacation, and culture in an ideal way.

Players of all ages praised the quality of the accommodations, the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the unique opportunity to live and interact closely with international champions—all of which created a family-like and enriching environment.

With a record number of participants, an extremely high level of play, and an infrastructure rivaling major European chess festivals, Caiobá is establishing itself as a model of organization and hospitality in the chess world. Anticipation is already building for the tournament’s tenth edition in 2026.

Final standings

...204 players...

Available games

Your Calculation Compass: Know When to Calculate

In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
In this insightful video course, Grandmaster David Navara shares practical advice on when to calculate deeply in a position — and just as importantly, when not to.
Free sample video: Introduction
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