Chess Powerhouses Clash as Webster, UTRGV Lead at President’s Cup 2025

UTRGV and Webster Share Top Honours at Prestigious Collegiate Chess Showdown

In an intense and highly competitive showdown—dubbed the “Final Four of College Chess”—Webster University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) emerged as co-champions at the 2025 President’s Cup. Organised by the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) in Richardson, Texas, on April 5th and 6th, the tournament featured four teams—Webster, UTRGV, Saint Louis University (SLU), and UTD—each qualifying based on their performance at the 2025 Pan-American Intercollegiate Team Chess Championship.

Both Webster and UTRGV accumulated 7 out of 12 game points; however, Webster secured the trophy because of its superior tie-break scores. According to the regulations, when game points are tied, match wins determine the winner. Webster recorded two wins and one tie versus UTRGV’s one win and two ties, and their head-to-head opening round match ended in a 2-2 draw, underscoring the closely fought competition.

Historical context further accentuated Webster’s triumph. Before this tournament, Webster University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) had each secured six President’s Cups. With victories in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2023, Webster’s win in 2025 marked its record seventh title—surpassing UMBC—while UTRGV claimed their fourth national title, following previous wins in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Notably, the absence of a championship in 2020 due to COVID-19 made UTRGV's return to elite competition even more significant.

Beyond the chessboards, the event was enriched by vibrant campus activities and ceremonial traditions. UTD President Dr. Richard C. Benson formally presented Webster with the President’s Cup, while UTRGV received the second-place trophy. Pep rallies held by UTD on April 2 and by UTRGV on its Brownsville and Edinburg campuses—with celebratory cakes provided by the UT System—boosted school spirit and underscored communal enthusiasm. Coaching highlights also added to the narrative. UTD introduced a new coach, GM Mikhail Antipov, signalling fresh energy for the UT system teams. Simultaneously, Webster’s coach, GM Liem Le, gained attention for winning a Chess.com Titled Tuesday tournament on April 1—finishing just half a point ahead of GM Hikaru Nakamura—while UTRGV’s GM Julio Sadorra took on a new role as chess program director after the retirement of Jim Stallings in January 2025.

A distinctive ceremonial element of the tournament was the drawing of board colours during the captains’ meeting. With Webster’s highest average rating among its top four players, GM Liem Le had the privilege of selecting the colours. In round one, he chose a white king—ensuring Webster played White on boards 1 and 3—and later opted for a black king in a round against SLU, strategically setting the stage for decisive board battles. Individual performances were notable as well. Grandmaster Harsha Bharathakoti contributed 1/3 for Webster, while UTRGV’s GM Yasser Quesada Perez and GM Jose Gabriel Cardoso both secured 2.5/3, with Cardoso emerging as his team’s highest scorer. SLU, scoring 6/12 game points and building on their successes in the Spring 2025 Collegiate Chess League finals, continued to display impressive form.

The tournament culminated with a festive gathering at the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum on April 4, where coaches, team members, organising staff, media, and administrators enjoyed a buffet of Mexican food. Dignitaries, including Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Inga Musselman, addressed the attendees, and a Webster news story highlighted that two women featured on its team—one of 19 unique women who have participated in President’s Cup rosters since 2001—underscored the growing representation in collegiate chess. Overall, the 2025 President’s Cup reinforced the high standards of collegiate chess by blending fierce competition, rich historical achievement, and widespread school spirit. This event has set a new benchmark for collegiate chess, promising an exciting future ahead.

Editor’s Note:

The 2025 President’s Cup showcased the finest in collegiate chess, with Webster University and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) emerging as co-champions after a fiercely contested tournament. Hosted by the University of Texas at Dallas, the event reflected the strength, strategy, and sportsmanship that define top-level university chess. Webster’s tie-break advantage secured them the trophy, marking their record-setting seventh title and solidifying their place in the history of collegiate chess. This year’s edition stood out for its high-caliber competition and  also for the strong sense of community and celebration surrounding it. From standout individual performances and coaching achievements to vibrant campus events, the 2025 President’s Cup brought together tradition, talent, and enthusiasm. 

Skoobuzz reports that the increasing representation of women and the participation of new coaching talent point to a bright and inclusive future for college chess in the U.S.