Deise Pereira keeps her grip on Cape Verde's women's chess throne, winning the 2026 National Championship in Mindelo with a dominant 6.5/7. She clinched the title in round six by beating three-time champion Célia Rodriguez Guevara, who won three consecutive titles from 2022 to 2024 but sat out 2025.
Pereira's undefeated run speaks for itself. Six wins and just one draw, conceded in the final round when the outcome was already decided. That's the kind of clean performance that leaves no doubt who controls women's chess in Cape Verde right now.
Rodriguez Guevara couldn't recapture her former dominance. Even returning after missing a year, she couldn't navigate past Pereira's preparation and execution. The three-time champion's bid to reclaim the crown fell short in a field where Pereira's play was consistently sharper.
Pereira now holds back-to-back titles, solidifying herself as the country's top female player. The July championship in Mindelo confirmed what we probably already knew: when these two meet, Pereira has the edge.