Cayo Chess Festival 2025

On the 1st November 2025, during this year’s Cayo Day celebrations in San Ignacio, the Cayo Chess Festival brought together players and supporters for a day of friendly competition and regional connection. The event welcomed 45 participants from Belize and the Cayo district, along with a visiting group of 20 players from the Peten Chess Club in Guatemala!

The tournament followed a 15+5 rapid format with five Swiss-system rounds. Players were grouped into two sections, upper and lower.

Lower Section Results

Lower Section (L-R) Gregory Mcgibney 3rd Place, Leandro Ochoa 1st Place, Angeles Panti 2nd Place

Competition remained steady in the lower section, with notable performances from both Belizean and Guatemalan players.

• 1st Place: Leandro Ochoa (Peten)

• 2nd Place: Angeles Panti (Peten)

• 3rd Place: Gregory McGibney (Belize)

Final Standings: Lower Section

Juniors from the Guatemala Team

Upper Section Results

Upper Section (L-R) Sebastian Penados, 3rd Place, Miguel Lopez 1st Place, Abner Garcia 2nd Place

The upper section was led by a strong showing from the visiting Guatemalan delegation.

• 1st Place: Miguel Lopez (Peten)

• 2nd Place: Abner Garcia (Peten)

• 3rd Place: Sebastian Penados (Peten)

Miguel Lopez vs Joseph Koop, Winner takes 1st Place

Final Standings: Upper Section

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Jorge De Leon for his assistance with planning and logistics. Additional appreciation goes to Mr. Luma Berges and the Peten Chess Club, who made the long trip to join us and helped make the festival a success.

The Cayo Chess Festival continues to strengthen ties within the regional chess community and provide meaningful opportunities for players to connect, compete, and grow. We look forward to building on this momentum in future events.

Mr Jorge De Leon awarding Miguel Lopez the 1st Place Medal.