Heart of Bunkie Chess Team earns second place at LSUA Tournament

The Heart of Bunkie Chess Team recently brought home a second-place finish from the 2026 Fall Crush Tournament, a double-elimination chess competition held at LSUA.

Landon Curry was recognized for a strong performance and advanced as the final remaining player representing the Heart of Bunkie Chess Team in the last round of competition.

“What an incredible display of grit and strategy,” Davonta Butler, Chess Club Instructor, said in a post following the tournament. “A massive shoutout goes to Landon Curry for his phenomenal performance, standing tall as the last man representing the Heart of Bunkie Chess Team in the final round.”

Butler praised Curry for remaining focused under pressure and said the team’s performance reflected the discipline and persistence the club works to build in its members.

The Heart of Bunkie Chess Club’s mission goes beyond competition. The organization works to encourage chess among beginners and experienced players alike while using the game to teach problem-solving, patience, strategy and decision-making.

Through lessons, travel opportunities, competitive matches and tournaments, the club aims to create an environment where players can continue learning while applying lessons from chess to everyday life.

The club’s guiding message is that success may be only one move away.

The team thanked Wright Studios, LLC, Living Hope Outreach Ministry, Crispy Cajun Chicken, Heart of Worship Church, Kavon Coleman and community members for their support.

A plaque presented following the tournament recognized the Heart of Bunkie Chess Team’s second-place finish and its “unwavering dedication and brilliant strategy.”