The 2025 Labor Day Tournament took place in Houston, TX, on September 1 at the Houston Chess Studio. The event brought together 23 players in a 5-round Swiss system format, with a time control of G/30, d10 (30 minutes per player with a 10-second delay per move).
You can view the official crosstable and rating report here:
👉 View Crosstable & Rating Report
Tournament Highlights
The tournament featured the participation of GM Joshua Ruiz, who delivered a perfect performance by winning all 5 rounds. Along with a commemorative plaque, Joshua also claimed the $350 first prize.
The second and third places were shared by Ekrem Kizilkaya and Chaunsey Rowe-Watters, who tied for the 2nd prize with 4 points out of 5 and each received $75, earning well-deserved recognition for their strong play.
Category Winners – U1600
The following players excelled in their categories and each received a 1-hour free lesson with GM Ulvi Bajarani:
- Ekrem Kizilkaya
- Vyas Chari
- Ved Windlass
- Joseph Padilla
- David Reyes
- Kenson Lo
Appreciation
Azeri Chess Academy extends its gratitude to all participants for making the event a success. Special thanks go to Edgar Acosta, whose efforts in handling the setup and technical details were invaluable.
Stay Connected
Follow us on our social media channels for pictures, videos, and updates from this and future tournaments.