25/08/2025
Philippine National Elimination Men's Division - Luzon Leg
Aug 23-25, 2025
For three days, Marius played against some of the strongest under-2000 rated players in the Men’s Division of the Luzon Leg. Despite being just 8 years old and facing a wide gap in age, experience, and ratings, he emerged with an impressive 3 wins and 2 draws out of 8 rounds.
On Day 1, Marius faced a tough start, losing to a UP varsity player and a seasoned chess coach. But he bounced back with 2 wins and 2 draws from rounds 3 to 6. By Round 7, he was still in contention for a semifinals spot, which required 4.5 points. Unfortunately, a heartbreaking loss ended that dream. We saw the sadness and exhaustion in his eyes. Each of his game lasted more or less 3 hours, and he had been playing 2 to 3 intense matches per day.
After the 7th round, he hugged me tightly and whispered his thoughts. He considered withdrawing, and we wouldn’t have blamed him. But after a short pep talk, he managed a small smile and said, “Ok na, Mama. Move on na ako.”
And move on he did.
In the 8th and final round, Marius faced an opponent more than three times his age — a player who had defeated 1800–1900 rated competitors in the same tournament. Over two hours later, Marius emerged victorious, finishing with 4 points and a FIDE rating gain of +40 Elo. Out of 136 players composed mostly of high school and college varsity members, coaches, and seasoned veterans, he ranked 70th with a performance rating of 1715.
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But my dear baby Marius, what makes me most proud isn’t the score or the rating gain. It’s your strength of character. In the face of disappointment and fatigue, you chose to keep going. Your passion, endurance, and heart are qualities that will serve you well whether or not you become a Grandmaster in the future. Congratulations our dear Marius and we love you so much!
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Our heartfelt thanks to everyone supporting us! To our family and friends, thank you so much!
Thank you Sir Jojo, Coach Noel, Coach Jhay, Coach Joie, and Coach Stephen.
Thank you as well to the NCFP for organizing this event and for opening doors for Filipino players to pursue their dreams, including the chance to compete in the Olympics.
Above all, to our Lord — all the glory belongs to You.
On to the next tournament na tayo, Marius!
*Insert Marius signature🫰
