CM Gabriel Davidson and WCM Rose Berline Seine emerged as the winners of the 2025 Haitian Championship.
Despite a particularly challenging national context, the Haitian Chess Federation (FHE) upheld its commitment to sporting continuity, training, and talent development by successfully organizing a National Championship that brought together the country’s best male and female players.
Held from December 20-28, 2025, the event featured open and women’s sections, each with 12 players representing several cities and chess clubs across Haiti, all of whom qualified through national elimination tournaments. Both competitions were round-robins with classical time controls. The top five players in each section qualified to represent Haiti at the 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The opening ceremony and initial rounds took place at Hôtel Montana. The event later moved to Villa Saint-Viateur, where players and officials were accommodated to ensure optimal preparation, rest, and security.
Open section : A commanding victory
CM Gabriel Davidson, representing Le Pion Chess Club, delivered a commanding performance in the open section, scoring an impressive 9.5/11. The champion conceded just three draws and became the only undefeated player in the tournament.
The following players qualified for the national team to represent the country in the 2026 Chess Olympiad:
- CM Gabriel Davidson – Tour du Roi
- FM Jean-Louis Marckens – CAVINT
- FM Etienne Angelo – GHA Chess Club
- CM Kemly Germinal – Tour du Roi
- Victor Wyclef – CAMACE
The return of Jean-Louis Marckens and Kemly Germinal to the top 5 confirms the competitiveness and stability of Haiti’s elite chess level.
Complete final standigns – Open
Women’s section: A dominant display
Rose Berline Seine (Le Pion Chess Club) dominated the women’s event, winning all eleven games and securing the title with a round to spare.
Other players qualified for the national team:
- WCM Mérisena Cadeau – Inyon
- Davena Jonet – GHA Chess Club
- WCM Kineberlie Dunat – ENLA
- Valencia Jean-François – GHA Chess Club
Complete final standings – Women
The FHE Executive Committee, under the presidency of Jacky Lumarque, oversaw the event’s overall coordination. Technical and operational management was provided by:
- Jacques Muller Luxama
- Joël Bernard
- Sabrina Jean-Baptiste
- Jonathan Lafontaine
Their collective commitment ensured the full success of the championship.
The Haitian Chess Federation expresses its sincere gratitude to its institutional and private partners, whose support was decisive in the successful organization of the 2025 National Championship. Notable partners include:
- Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH)
- Office of the Prime Minister
- Groupe Capital
- ENLA
- Université Quisqueya
- AAFDS
- Sakala
The FHE also thanks the media, photographers, graphic designers, Chess.com, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. Special recognition is extended to Tessa Maximilien, Karl Philippe Alexis, and Sybille Alexis for their continued support.
Photos: Federation Haitienne des Echecs