The 2026 Cenla Classic
About this Event
The 2026 Cenla Classic
The Heart of Bunkie Chess Club proudly invites you to the 3rd Annual Cenla Classic—the ultimate test of strategic endurance and your final opportunity to compete in this premier event before it transitions to an official USCF-rated tournament next year.
This isn't just another tournament; it is a high-stakes, single-elimination gauntlet designed to test every facet of your chess mastery. Across six intense rounds, players must adapt instantly to shifting time controls, pivoting from the sharp calculation of Rapid, to the bullet-fast chaos of
Blitz, and ultimately to the deep, grueling psychology of Classical chess. Do you have the versatility and mental fortitude to survive the gauntlet and claim the definitive crown?
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Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Venue: The Elegant LSUA Brumfield Caffey Ballroom | 199 Middleton Dr, Alexandria, LA 71302
Attire: Semi-Formal or Chess Team/Club Apparel (Dress for Success)
Eligibility: Open to all ages and skill levels. No USCF membership required.
The Cenla Classic is renowned for celebrating collective dominance. While you may enter as an individual competitor, we highly encourage players to band together and enter as a Team (minimum of 4 players) to fight for state-wide bragging rights and the elite Team Championship.
🏅Total Prize fund stands at 1000$
🏅1st Place 500$ 1st Place Individual Player ; 500$ 1st Place Team + CENLA Champion Team Award + Bragging Rights +72 hours of Advanced Chess Training Ft. Heart of Bunkie Chess Club
2nd Place - Trophy 3rd Place - Trophy
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1 Day Event Schedule Dynamic Structure
(15/10i min Rapid) Round 1- 10a.m
(15/10i min Rapid) Round 2- 10:55a.m
(15/10i min Rapid) Round 3- 11:50 a.m
Lunch Begins After Round 3 until 2:30pm
(3/2i min Blitz) Round 4- 2:40p.m QuarterFinals
(1hr Classical) Round 5- 3p.m SemiFinals
(1hr Classical) Round 6- 5p.m
Grand Final
We will try to move as quickly as possible through the tournament with the Award ceremony occurring by 7:30p.mSecure Your Board (Registration Details)
Open to Only 64 chess players (family and friends are welcome to attend) Lock in your spot early to take advantage of tier pricing:
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Early-Bird Registration (Before Nov 28, 2026): $25
Standard Registration (After Nov 28, 2026): $40
On-Site Registration: $45 (Ends promptly at 9:30 AM on tournament day)
Byes: A 1st-round bye is available upon request prior to the start of Round 1 (except in verified emergencies).
Challenge Accepted?
Prove you have what it takes to dominate Central Louisiana. For registration inquiries and tournament details, contact [email protected] and follow the Heart of Bunkie Chess Club on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive updates.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 16.77 to USD 49.19
