Nassau, Bahamas – January 26, 2025
The Bahamas Chess Federation proudly announces FIDE Master (FM) Cecil Moncur as the
2025 Bahamas National Chess Champion! The prestigious tournament concluded in dramatic
fashion on January 26, capping off a thrilling 10-player round-robin competition held at
Noble Prep Academy from January 17–26.
FM Moncur clinched the title in a nail-biting final round against 4-time National Champion
Valentine Cox. Both players entered the ninth and final round tied with seven wins and one
loss, knowing the winner of their match would claim the coveted title.
For Cox, a fifth championship would have placed him among the elite ranks of Bahamian
chess legends Frank Gibson, Antoinette Seymour, and Kendrick Knowles. For Moncur, this
was an opportunity to solidify his legacy as the Bahamas’ first and only FIDE Master by
capturing his first National Championship.
The road to victory was anything but easy. Moncur was undefeated in the first three rounds
before falling to 2024 Champion Avian Pride, whose calculated play dashed Moncur’s
flawless streak. Undeterred, Moncur regrouped and powered through the remaining rounds,
displaying determination and precision to secure his place in the final.
Meanwhile, Cox delivered six consecutive victories before encountering Women’s Candidate
Master (WCM) Chika Pride in Round 7. The youngest and only female competitor in the
Pride stunned the seasoned veteran with a brilliant performance, forcing Cox to resign
and leaving the championship wide open.
The tournament was a showcase of chess mastery across generations. The five
veterans—Cecil Moncur, Valentine Cox, Dr. Kenville Lockhart, Francis Skinned and Curtis
Pride Jr.—proved why they remain formidable contenders. The rising stars, including Avian
and Chika Pride, along with Barrington Hawkins, Sohan Umesh, and James Trotman,
demonstrated the depth and promise of Bahamian chess.
Chess enthusiasts are already lauding this year’s Nationals as one of the most exciting in
recent history.
Final Standings and Recognition
FM Cecil Moncur emerged victorious with an impressive score of 8/9. Congratulations to all
10 qualifiers who competed with exceptional skill and sportsmanship:
1. FM Cecil Moncur (8/9)
2. NM Valentine Cox (7/9)
3. Dr. Kenville Lockhart (6/9)
4. Avian Pride (6/9)
5. Barrington Hawkins (5/9)
6. WCM Chika Pride (4.5/9)
7. Curtis Pride Jr. (4.5/9)
8. Sohan Umesh (2/9)
9. Francis Skinner (1.5/9)
10. James Trotman (0.5/9)
For full tournament results and standings, visit: https://chess-
results.com/tnr1100361.aspx?lan=1.
The Bahamas Chess Federation extends heartfelt thanks to Chief Arbiter IA Andre White,
Deputy Chief Arbiter FA Angel Pride, and Tournament Director Curtis Pride Sr. for their
impeccable officiating and organization.
A special thank you to our sponsors Aqua Pure, Caribbean Bottling, and our host venues
Noble Prep Academy and Travellers Rest for their invaluable support.
Congratulations to FM Cecil Moncur, the 2025 Bahamas National Chess Champion!
The Bahamas Chess Federation proudly announces FIDE Master (FM) Cecil Moncur as the
2025 Bahamas National Chess Champion! The prestigious tournament concluded in dramatic
fashion on January 26, capping off a thrilling 10-player round-robin competition held at
Noble Prep Academy from January 17–26.
FM Moncur clinched the title in a nail-biting final round against 4-time National Champion
Valentine Cox. Both players entered the ninth and final round tied with seven wins and one
loss, knowing the winner of their match would claim the coveted title.
For Cox, a fifth championship would have placed him among the elite ranks of Bahamian
chess legends Frank Gibson, Antoinette Seymour, and Kendrick Knowles. For Moncur, this
was an opportunity to solidify his legacy as the Bahamas’ first and only FIDE Master by
capturing his first National Championship.
The road to victory was anything but easy. Moncur was undefeated in the first three rounds
before falling to 2024 Champion Avian Pride, whose calculated play dashed Moncur’s
flawless streak. Undeterred, Moncur regrouped and powered through the remaining rounds,
displaying determination and precision to secure his place in the final.
Meanwhile, Cox delivered six consecutive victories before encountering Women’s Candidate
Master (WCM) Chika Pride in Round 7. The youngest and only female competitor in the
Pride stunned the seasoned veteran with a brilliant performance, forcing Cox to resign
and leaving the championship wide open.
The tournament was a showcase of chess mastery across generations. The five
veterans—Cecil Moncur, Valentine Cox, Dr. Kenville Lockhart, Francis Skinned and Curtis
Pride Jr.—proved why they remain formidable contenders. The rising stars, including Avian
and Chika Pride, along with Barrington Hawkins, Sohan Umesh, and James Trotman,
demonstrated the depth and promise of Bahamian chess.
Chess enthusiasts are already lauding this year’s Nationals as one of the most exciting in
recent history.
Final Standings and Recognition
FM Cecil Moncur emerged victorious with an impressive score of 8/9. Congratulations to all
10 qualifiers who competed with exceptional skill and sportsmanship:
1. FM Cecil Moncur (8/9)
2. NM Valentine Cox (7/9)
3. Dr. Kenville Lockhart (6/9)
4. Avian Pride (6/9)
5. Barrington Hawkins (5/9)
6. WCM Chika Pride (4.5/9)
7. Curtis Pride Jr. (4.5/9)
8. Sohan Umesh (2/9)
9. Francis Skinner (1.5/9)
10. James Trotman (0.5/9)
For full tournament results and standings, visit: https://chess-
results.com/tnr1100361.aspx?lan=1.
The Bahamas Chess Federation extends heartfelt thanks to Chief Arbiter IA Andre White,
Deputy Chief Arbiter FA Angel Pride, and Tournament Director Curtis Pride Sr. for their
impeccable officiating and organization.
A special thank you to our sponsors Aqua Pure, Caribbean Bottling, and our host venues
Noble Prep Academy and Travellers Rest for their invaluable support.
Congratulations to FM Cecil Moncur, the 2025 Bahamas National Chess Champion!
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