The 2025 DKC Heart of the Carolinas FIDE Summer Classic delivered a thrilling weekend of competitive chess in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, drawing players from across the region and beyond. Organized by Dragon Knight Chess, the tournament featured multiple rating sections, but all eyes were on the Grand Prix Open Section, where top-rated competitors battled for prestige, prize money, and valuable USCF and FIDE rating points.
Grand Prix Open Section results
Heading into the event with a USCF rating of 2304, NM Emmanuel Carter (born in 2000) was among the top favorites, and he lived up to the billing. Carter produced a stellar 4.5/5 score, conceding just a single draw on his way to clear first place. The victory earned him $1,100 and a hefty 20 USCF Grand Prix points, strengthening his position in the national standings.
Second place went to Thomas Fang (USCF 2269), who finished on 4.0/5. He secured $550 and 16 Grand Prix points. Though he fell just half a point short of Carter, Fang’s steady play kept him in contention until the very end.
The bronze medal position belonged to Allen Li (USCF 1903), who punched above his rating to score 3.5/5, earning him $350 and 12 Grand Prix points.
Meanwhile, Shreyas Rajendra Sakharkar (USCF 2024) took home the Top U2300 prize, finishing with 3.0/5 and collecting $300 plus 8 Grand Prix points.
Fierce Fight in the Middle of the Pack
The tournament’s competitive depth was evident in the middle standings. Ayush Murthy (1992) and Scott McInnis (1862) tied for 4th place at 2.5/5, sharing both the Top U2200 prize and $250 each, along with 2 Grand Prix points apiece.
The Top U2100 award went to William Curry Odom (1860), who scored 2.0/5 and pocketed $200.
Rounding out the field were Trishona Vinodh Kumar (1900) and Lenny A. Bueltmann-Prok (1895), both finishing on 1.5/5, who no doubt gained valuable experience competing at the highest level of the event.
A Tournament with Depth Across Sections
While the Grand Prix Open Section was the marquee event, the lower-rated sections also produced notable results:
- U2000 Section: Dominated by Aum Menon, who scored a perfect 5.0/5 for $900.
- U1700 Section: Jacob Matthew Brennan matched that perfection with 5.0/5 and $800.
- U1400 Section: Evan J. Wang took clear first with 4.5/5 and $700.
This balance of competition, reflects the inclusive spirit of the Heart of the Carolinas and the strong community fostered by Dragon Knight Chess.
Full results of the 2025 DKC Heart of the Carolinas FIDE Summer Classic
Looking Ahead
With strong attendance, competitive play, and smooth organization, the 2025 DKC Heart of the Carolinas continues to cement its place as a premier event in the Southeast’s chess calendar. For players chasing USCF Grand Prix glory or simply looking to test themselves against tough opposition, this tournament by Dragon Knight Chess offers an ideal proving ground.
Given the success of this year’s edition, chess fans will be eager to see if Carter can defend his crown, or if new challengers will rise to the occasion in 2026.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet. Follow me on Twitter (X).
