In a remarkable display of talent, 14-year-old chess player Erick Angelo Ravelo Lobaina from Guantánamo, Cuba, emerged victorious in the under-14 category at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Youth Chess Festival 2026. Held in San José, Costa Rica, this triumph also earned him the prestigious title of FIDE Master (FM).
The tournament, a significant event organized by the Costa Rican Chess Federation and supported by the Costa Rican Sports and Recreation Institute, saw participation from 421 players representing 19 federations. Competitors vied for honors across 12 official categories, ranging from under-8 to under-18.
Born in 2012, Ravelo Lobaina displayed dominance in the under-14 absolute classical tournament, scoring eight points out of a possible nine. His record included eight victories and only one defeat, which occurred in the third round. The podium was completed by Panamanian Juan Raúl Montufar Porcell and Costa Rican Felipe González Arguedas, both accumulating 6.5 points.
This impressive achievement adds to a growing list of accomplishments in Cuban chess circles. In June 2026, Ravelo claimed victory in the under-16 category of the "Seeking Capablanca" tournament, part of the 59th Capablanca in Memoriam International Tournament held in Havana, achieving seven points over eight rounds without a single loss.
Local press reports highlight that the young Guantánamo native has previously captured titles in the under-12, under-14, and under-16 categories of the Capablanca tournament across different editions, marking him as the sole player from his province to achieve such a sequence.
Behind Ravelo's success are his coach, Yurber Verdecia, and his father, Fidel Ravelo, who are credited as key figures in his development.
Maikel Deportes Guantánamo emphasized the significance of Ravelo's performance, noting the challenges faced by Cuban chess players: "Connectivity issues, lack of internal tournaments, and limited opportunities for international play make the achievements of Cuban youths even more impressive."
"Following his recent first-place finish in the under-16 category at the Capablanca in Memoriam in Havana 2026, his latest triumph as Central American under-14 champion projects him as one of Cuban chess's brightest future stars," summarized Maikel Deportes Guantánamo.
JIT reported that alongside his gold medal, Ravelo's performance in the championship directly secured him the FIDE Master title.
Ravelo was not the only Cuban to shine in Costa Rica. The Cuban delegation concluded the festival with five gold medals and two international titles:
- Erick Angelo Ravelo — Gold in classical modality, under-14 absolute category, with 8 out of 9 possible points.
- Liennys Ferrer — Gold in classical modality, under-18 female category, with 7.5 points. She aims for the Woman International Master (WIM) title.
- Leandro Álvarez — Gold in Blitz modality (lightning chess), under-14 category, with 8.5 points.
- Ronald Manuel Espinosa — Gold in Blitz modality, under-16 category, with 8 points.
- Liennys Ferrer — Gold in Blitz modality, under-18 category, with 7.5 points.
Insights into Cuban Chess Achievements
How did Erick Angelo Ravelo Lobaina perform in the tournament?
Erick Angelo Ravelo Lobaina excelled in the under-14 classical tournament, winning eight matches and losing only once, securing the gold medal and FIDE Master title.
What challenges do Cuban chess players face?
Cuban chess players often contend with limited connectivity, lack of internal tournaments, and scant opportunities for international competition, making their successes even more noteworthy.
Who supported Erick Angelo Ravelo in his chess career?
Erick Angelo Ravelo's chess career has been significantly supported by his coach, Yurber Verdecia, and his father, Fidel Ravelo.