When the 2026 Heroes Chess event was completed last Sunday at the Grande Salle, Central Bank of Barbados, three new champions in each of the sections were crowned.

In the unrated Section C, William Deer in his first over the board tournament in many years, edged Benjamin Farmer on tie-break to capture the title after both players finished on 6 points from their 7 matches. Deer won the direct encounter between the two players and as such would have been deemed the winner. 

Going into the last round, three players shared the lead with 5 points from a possible 6. These were Deer, Farmer and Zane Ward. In the last round the critical match ups saw Ward against Deer while Benjamin faced Maximmus Gonsalves who was in 4th place with 4 ½ points and also had a chance to catch the leaders.

The results in the round saw Benjamin overpowering Gonsalves, while Deer was able to defeat Farmer after a long battle and with this Deer was able to capture the title from the 30-player field. Ward led a trio of players finishing in 3rd to 5th on 5 points. This also included Liam Byer and Kevin St. Hill. Rebekah Lashley was the best placed female player with 3 ½ points.

In Section B for rated players having an ELO rating of 1800 – 1400, Loki Clarke dominated the event to claim victory with 6 points from his 7 matches. Clarke came into the final two rounds already a full point ahead of the 30-player field and cruised to victory with two draws on the last day against Allan Herbert and Gaybrianna Moore.

Savion Little finished in second place with 5 ½ points after his last round victory over Herbert. Janiya Browne finished in third place ahead of Nathan Simmon-Patterson and Moore on the tie-break after all three players finished on 5 points. The top female performer who did not win one of the main prizes was Leshay Springer.

Candidate master Darren Mckennis of Jamaica clinched Section A of the event for those players with an ELO 1800 winning all his games to finish on 6 points. Local player Justin Kirton finished in second on 4 ½ points, while junior Jeremiah Farley came third with 3 ½ points. Ronaldo Rochester and Travis Grant rounded out the prize winners with each player gaining 3 points.

With approximately 70 participants inclusive of players from Jamaica, Martinique and Grenada, the Heroes Day event was successful. The prizes were presented at the closing ceremony by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Kevin Greenidge, the venue sponsor.