Cuban chess player Renier González returns home for Capablanca tournament after 23 years

Renier González, who departed Cuba in 1999, has returned to compete on the island after a 23-year absence, fulfilling a long-held dream. His spiritual connection to his homeland never wavered, and he consistently sought opportunities to play in Cuba.

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Chess has always been very healthy, we are all very good friends, for 40 years.

González participated in the Capablanca In Memoriam tournament in 2022, marking his first time back. He described chess as a healthy pursuit that fosters friendship among players. "My greatest interest is not purely competitive, although this is the classic tournament in Cuba and I wanted to have the experience. I see this moment as an opportunity to share and experience the event," he stated. This marks his third experience competing as an émigré, having also played in 2022 and 2025.

Before his return, González would travel to Cancún, Mexico, to play with his Cuban friends. The Capablanca In Memoriam was the last tournament he played before leaving Cuba. His notable achievements abroad include winning the U.S. Open Championship and coaching the Bahamas team for the 2018 Batumi Olympiad. Currently, the Matanzas-born player is active in teaching chess, a field where he holds the title of national youth runner-up.

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My greatest interest is not purely competitive, although this is the classic tournament in Cuba and I wanted to have the experience. I see this moment as an opportunity to share and experience the event.

He also discovered a passion for poker, though his dedication to chess remains paramount, as he once declined a spot in the World Senior Championship to participate in Hispanoamérica's oldest event. Reflecting on returning to the Capablanca tournament after two decades, González called it an "icon" important not only for Cubans but for the Americas and Europe. He acknowledged the challenges in organizing the event but noted its consistent draw of significant players. He also spoke highly of the only Latin American world champion, whose concepts and ideas, though perhaps considered erroneous in his time, remain relevant nearly a century later.

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This tournament is an icon, that is the reason why I come to play this and not some of the others. The Capablanca is not only important for Cubans, but for America and also Europe.

González considered representing the Cuban Federation again, stating he retired from active play around 2006-2007 to focus on more profitable work. "It's difficult to live off chess. At that time, I had a good level, but with difficulties to support myself. The problem is also that in the United States, it sometimes costs you to play," he explained. He found poker to be a natural fit during that period. "I remain linked to chess, but by teaching. In economic terms, it is more profitable than participating in tournaments where you sometimes have no earnings."

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He introduced concepts and ideas, erroneous in his time, but that almost a century later, even with technology, remain valid.