Howard University dominates 3rd HBCU Chess Classic!

Howard University came to the 2025 HBCU Chess Classic to reclaim the trophy they won at the inaugural event in 2023. In last year’s event, Howard failed to take the top prize in both the team and individual categories, settling for silver in the team category and bronze in the individual category. By Bison standards, this would not be sufficient.

With their top player Sameer Acharya (1899) back in the lineup, they would field a strong contingent. As they entered the King Chapel, the team came in with a custom-made banner chanting “H-U… you know!” Donning business suits, they appeared to be motivated for the task.

The venue for the 3rd HBCU Chess Classic was inspiring. Portraits of many famous figures in Black history graced the hall in what is most likely the first event of its kind at the famous chapel. This energy added mystique to the event and pride in the players representing their esteemed institutions.

Bison Blitz!

In the first round, Howard got off to a fast start, racking up a perfect score. This was tough to beat. With the two top seeds of the tournaments and Classic veterans, the other teams would have to somehow stop the Bison stampede. It didn’t happen, as the onslaught continued. Adanma Adeola of FAMU gave Acharya a tough game before succumbing in the endgame.

Remember that Howard only brought five players, unlike Hampton, which had three teams, while Morehouse, North Carolina A&T (NCAT), and FAMU brought two. This may have worked out in Howard’s favor, as they would not be paired with players from their own school.

After three rounds, Howard had only dropped one game… Matthew Rhone (last year’s 3rd place finisher) lost to Harper Jackson of Morehouse. There was no shame in this result. Jackson, the Morehouse chess club President (and host), hails from Detroit’s Cass Tech and earned his stripes under the tutelage of Kevin Fite of Detroit City Chess Club. Nevertheless, Howard held a commanding lead over the field.

Howard Stumbles

The second day of the event would begin with marquee matchups as players with USCF ratings (20 in all) would face off. The good thing about the competition is that only the top four scores of each team count. Round four would be crucial.

Acharya and Malik Castro-Devarona defeated Jackson and NCAT’s Bobby Lewis, but Howard dropped three games in round four, allowing NCAT to close the gap within 1.5 points. Lewis, who lost a thrilling game to FAMU’s Caleb Parker in last year’s final round, mentioned that he had an advantage but somehow allowed it to slip as Castro-Devarona scored a clutch win.

Bison Prevail!

In the final round, Castro-Devarona and Parker drew while Acharya finished his perfect tournament, beating NCAT’s Akindele Omotosho, who had been undefeated. While Matthew Rhone and Ben King lost, Jadon Wolfe won a key game over Hampton’s club president Charles Lindsey Jr. After this game, you could see Howard celebrating.

Howard “A” on the top four boards. Ben King and Jadon Wolfe battle!

Howard won by a slim one-point margin, as NCAT’s surge to win their second consecutive title fell short. Meanwhile, the Howard Bison would avenge last year’s disappointing second-place finish with only one team. It would be a banner year for the Bison, who won a category prize at the Pan-American Intercollegiate Chess Championship in January.

Castro-Devarona, a senior political science major, won a top board prize at the Pan-Ams. At this tournament, he took 2nd place overall with 4.5/5. Acharya would take gold with 5/5. The computer science major hopes to return next year to defend his title. Howard returns to DC with yet another accolade to add to their collection. Having won both the 1st and 3rd events, they will try for a repeat in their 100th anniversary.

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Team Standings

Individual Standings

Results: https://tbochess.squarespace.com/tbotournaments