VIDOR, Texas — A familiar face to the annual checkers championship in Vidor has officially defended his crown.
Master checkers players from all around the globe gathered for tournaments all week, with the final round taking place Thursday.
Lubabalo Kondlo of South Africa returned to Southeast Texas looking to defend his crown after winning in 2022 and was successful.
From Ukraine to South Africa, the checkerboard has become a common ground for these otherwise different people.
Player Michael Holmes says Vidor has become the checkers capital of the United States.
This is the eighth year Vidor has been home to the competition.
"Prize funds from first place to last place and they do a really good job on making sure we have a good comradery," Holmes said.
Nine competitors battled for one title at the World Blitz Checkers Championship, as well as a big cash prize.
Tournament Director Watson Franks is excited by the turnout and says the field is full of talent.
"Well Alex Holmes is 20 years old he is an up-and-coming star. He is still a master not far from becoming a grandmaster. He won our Tuesday tournament, so he won our future to win championship and Lubabalo Kondlo from South Africa who is a World Champion," Franks said.
Whether young or old, everyone has come together in Vidor to win and learn new tricks to win the game, like in the speed checkers match.
"This is the first time to have a tournament like this, to where you get 5 minutes per game. It teaches you at the same time, you play fast so you can win. You know," Kondlo said.
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