---
title: ️ IOCA Blitz Online Tournament – 6/9 & Valuable Lessons!
description: ️ IOCA Blitz Online Tournament – 6/9 & Valuable Lessons!
image: https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=550&op=thumbnail&path=6cXPysNGqIz4.webp&w=880&sig=bda7f8e26130b6f2572bec2f9e2489275929369b
---

I recently played the **IOCA Blitz Online Tournament**, a **9-round event with 74 players** and a time control of **5 minutes + 2 seconds increment**. 🌍♟️

It was a strong event with players from different islands competing in fast-paced chess! 🌍♟️

🏆 **Tournament Winner:**
Congratulations to **Etienne Riviere**, the Reunion Champion, who finished with **8/9**.

He tied for 1st place with **Alfene Ambdullah from Comoros** (also 8/9), but Etienne won the tournament thanks to a better tiebreak score. 👏

![IOCA Blitz 2026 Standings.jpg](https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=webp&h=0&op=resize&path=-FFxeVx-LKIs.jpg&w=800&sig=2c63d89c7968a125b3ee82c7c1e87ff0b2883d3e)
My result:
📊 **Final score: 6/9**
🏅 Tied for 6th place, finished **9th on tiebreaks among 74 players**

![My IOCA Blitz 2026 Results.png](https://image.lichess1.org/display?fmt=png&h=0&op=resize&path=PdikYpQLBojA.png&w=800&sig=a61b1a1fcd4d7b6e6b58fd93a57d2de099b077e7)
I had some interesting moments throughout the tournament:

⚔️ **Round 2 vs Etienne Riviere**
I reached a winning position against the eventual tournament winner! However, I had only around **5 seconds left** on the clock. In the time scramble, I blundered and the game slipped away. 😅

![My Game vs Etienne Riviere.jpeg](https://image.lichess1.org/display?op=noop&path=8-H-fo9rWCsx.jpg&sig=1df90af3adc9b3d3b75b4ed5c5f6b622a282a8ba)

A reminder that in blitz, time management is just as important as finding the best moves.

🔥 **Round 9**
I lost my last game, but fortunately, the result was changed because my opponent was later banned for cheating, and I received the full point.

The game itself had an interesting moment. Even though I was down a **Rook and a pawn**, I had a dangerous attack with:
**19...h4!** ♟️⚔️

![Tactic vs Cheater.jpeg](https://image.lichess1.org/display?op=noop&path=vE4PUkW3z6VD.jpg&sig=dd72bbe97d25f17803c25f01dc47d0593255c92b)
The position was full of attacking chances and tactical ideas.

You can check all my games from the tournament here:
https://lichess.org/study/dhCMzD4N

Overall, I’m happy with the experience, the fighting spirit, and the lessons learned from this blitz tournament. 💪

I thank **God Jesus** for this result and for giving me strength throughout my chess journey. 🙏

**Psalm 28:7**
*"The Lord Jesus is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."* ❤️

Thank you for your support! More chess adventures coming soon. ♟️🔥

God bless 🙏