The University of La Romana (UNIROMANA) will host an unprecedented strategic and intellectual event on July 4 and 5: the Grand Hybrid Tournament (Gueides War Game and Chess). Prominent competitors include the creator and current champion of Gueides War Game, Federico Díaz, and the outstanding chess player Os Misael King Rodríguez. King Rodríguez, who crowned himself Dominican National Junior Champion Sub-20 in 2023 and went undefeated to win the La Romana Provincial Chess Tournament in 2025, recently won the prestigious Copa Dr. Luis Horacio Payán In Memoriam 2026. In an interesting historical coincidence for the project, the first edition of the Copa Dr. Payán In Memoriam was won, also undefeated, by Oscar Mendoza Camino, developer of the online version of Gueides War Game.
The tournament will be held on the modern campus of UNIROMANA (a university of European origin), which was officially inaugurated in the presence of H.M. the King of Spain, "Felipe VI", and the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, along with other high-level authorities. On this occasion, UNIROMANA opens its doors to host both the classic Chess and the tactical evolution represented by Gueides War Game, supporting local creativity and talent.
The July 4th Coincidence: Strategy for Peace and Freedom
The tournament begins on Saturday, July 4, a date of international significance commemorating the United States Declaration of Independence. This historical coincidence serves as an ideal framework for an event governed by Gueides War Game, whose motto is "Game of War for Peace". On a day dedicated globally to celebrating freedom and concord, competitors face off not in an act of division, but in a contest of pure intellectual skill, where tactical calculations on the board serve as a metaphor for strategic coordination to secure a lasting peace.
Opening Moves and Tech Launches
The opening ceremony will feature protocol moves of honor. On the traditional chess board, the first move will be made by Lic. José Manuel Luaces Carreño, Academic Vice-Rector of UNIROMANA. In addition, on the Gueides War Game board and digital app, the move of honor is expected to be executed by a high-ranking official of the Armed Forces (pending confirmation), marking the official launch of the online application.
Technological Launch of the Gueides Ecosystem
During the opening ceremony, the official launch of the online application of Gueides War Game, developed by designer and programmer Oscar Mendoza Camino, and the Online Academy will be announced. This educational and gaming platform features a tactical training camp, an online playing app, a virtual practice board, an advanced position simulator, and the first interactive manual (with download and export options in PDF format for print), all of which are constantly updated in search of excellence.
As a symbolic launch, the invited military authority is expected to perform the opening move directly inside the online application of Gueides War Game, symbolizing the official activation of this technological ecosystem.
Event Schedule
Matches will officially begin on Saturday morning, July 4. The excitement and final matches of both chess and Gueides War Game will extend until Sunday, July 5, concluding with the awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m.
Sportsmanship and Transparency Note: To encourage and reward the talent of new competitors, the game's organizers and creators, Federico Díaz and Oscar Mendoza Camino, will actively participate in matches for strategic honor and sport, but formally waive receiving any cash prizes. If they rank in podium positions, these cash prizes will slide down entirely to the next qualified players in the standings.
