Kia ora!

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The time has come to announce the results of this fantastic April Fool's Contest!

But first, I would like to thank the 25 users who submitted their blogs for the competition. This exceeded my expectations once again and smashed our goal of 10!

That means that we will be holding a similar World Chocolate Day Contest on 7 July, and we hope to see another high participation rate and lots of entries.

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Anyway, enough talk. Please see the competitors below:

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THE ENTRIES

@OffTopicForums wrote a playful blog that celebrates the “67” meme. We all know this fun trend brings joy and energy to our everyday lives (don't ask why or how). With humor and creativity, he introduces a quirky “6-7 opening” in chess, encouraging players to enjoy the game in a lighthearted way. Find out where this name comes from! - Why 67 is a GOATed meme and how to play the 67 opening-

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@The_Chess_Eggs brought this cheerful blog, sharing a series of humorous prank attempts that didn’t quite go as planned. Have fun reading from kitchen mishaps to tech disasters and a lighthearted chess tournament moment. Despite the chaos, the stories have a fun-loving spirit that makes every experience memorable for such a special day. - My chaotic April Fools... A history of failed pranks

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@MrRiskau99 presents a fictional experiment exploring chess improvement with humor and storytelling. Blending psychology, history, and mystery, he "proves" how confidence, learning habits, and persistence shape progress. His engaging narrative tone also celebrates curiosity and the enjoyable journey of growing as a chess player. - The 15-Month 2000 Experiment - Case File #1

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@KarimVagapov2 wrote an informative blog explaining the exciting (and certainly fun to play) Fried Liver Attack and how to counter it effectively. It highlights both aggressive and defensive ideas, which makes it instructive. With this practical approach, he encourages learning both sides to improve overall chess skills and confidence in real games. - Understanding the Fried Liver Attack and Its Counter

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@Aminson_Antony delivered this energetic and humorous blog, which proves that bullet chess is the fastest and most exciting way to improve through instinct and quick thinking. It playfully argues that high-volume games build confidence and creativity. Embrace speed, enjoy the chaos, and develop sharp reactions while having fun. - The Bullet Manifesto: Why Thinking is a Blunder ☠️♟️

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@Lightning_McQueen_04 wrote this witty blog humorously exploring the idea of “degustation” as a creative approach to chess improvement. Blending playful pseudo-science with storytelling, he encourages artistic expression, offering an entertaining take on how confidence and imagination can make chess feel magical and fun. - "The Sommelier's Gambit: Degradation of Cognitive Functions or the Path to Genius?"

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@bedrok555cz blended chess with sci-fi adventure in his awesome post, following a time traveler exploring a parallel chess world with surprising ideas. Filled with creativity, mystery, and a touch of emotion, it celebrates curiosity, innovation, and the love of chess through a fun and thought-provoking journey. Have fun reading it! - bedrok's multiverse

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@Riley_Welch wrote a cool story that reimagines the origins of April Fools through a medieval chess-inspired tale. With some humor, drama, and imagination, he shows how a simple prank led to conflict and ultimately unity. With a meaningful message, it encourages responsibility, forgiveness, and the joyful spirit behind playful traditions. - The Cause of the Game : April fools

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@OSWALDbini and his lively blog explored “Foolhouse” through fun chess themes like Fool’s Mate, playful tricks, and real-life experiences. Mixing humor with meaningful lessons, he highlights awareness, fair play, and community growth while reminding readers to enjoy chess responsibly and spread positivity without harming others’ feelings. - Foolhouse

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@King_of_Snakes09 imagined creative and comfort-focused changes to professional chess under a fictional FIDE leadership. With playful ideas like banning early draws, adding couches, and even ice cream breaks, it shows the federation how to make chess more enjoyable, entertaining, and relaxed while keeping a lighthearted spirit. - If I Were The Head of FIDE

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@Yaya1645 wrote an imaginative blog that humorously explores a world where chess bots prank each other, creating chaos and comedy. From unexpected strong play to quirky behaviors and sacrifices, they bring creativity and fun to bot-chess. The story has personality, unpredictability, and the entertaining side of interacting with chess engines. - The bots prank each other

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@read-23 and his clever April Fools' blog present a fictional “cyberattack” targeting Blitz players, blending humor with a mock-serious tone. Featuring familiar chess personalities, he playfully highlights the chaos of fast time controls while encouraging awareness, adding an entertaining twist to the idea of online chess and security. - Blitz Players Lose Their Identity

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@Reflection wrote a heartfelt blog reflecting on Hikaru Nakamura’s impact on the chess community and expressing appreciation for his contributions. While acknowledging the sadness of his "departure", it also supports his decision to focus on family. I hope fans will honor his legacy with gratitude and respect. Cry with us! - Hikaru’s Departure From The Chess Community.

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@JugadaBrillante brought a fun and creative blog that shares imaginative chess-themed pranks inspired by famous hoaxes and clever ideas. He encourages playful mischief while keeping things lighthearted, celebrating the joy of April Fools’ Day and the creativity that makes chess and friendship even more enjoyable. Troll your friends! - How to troll your chess player friend

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@2bHNST came up again with his rectangular characters in another chaotic blog full of funny conversations and situations between the rectangles. Was the cancellation of Season 2 a prank? In a story full of drama, alliances, and even some betrayal. You can be sure to be amused (and confused) after reading this! Check it out and cast your vote. - bor s2 rebute totaly

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@chickpea123456's humorous blog introduces the imaginative “Caro-Crab” opening, preferring creativity and fun over traditional chess principles. With witty commentary and examples, he encourages players to experiment with unconventional ideas and enjoy the game’s unpredictability while keeping a cheerful approach to improvement. - Play the Caro-Crab: Tips and Tricks for Black's Strongest Opening

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@Ikorac presents intentionally terrible chess advice in a fun, exaggerated way. By flipping real principles upside down, he entertains the readers while reinforcing good strategy in the background. With creativity and humor, check it out if you want to laugh, learn, and better appreciate the fundamentals of strong chess play. A real prank. - How to WIN any Chess game!

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@Mario_ChessBlogger told a funny story that follows Mario and Luigi in a playful April Fools' chess prank battle. Filled with creativity, humor, and moving moments, he shows their friendly rivalry and clever twists, focusing on laughter, connection, and the joy that both chess and playful mischief can bring to us all. Enjoy! - Mario and Luigi: April Fools’ Final Chess Duel

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@fischersh2pawn wrote an engaging blog that blends humor with valuable chess insight. He explores traps like the famous Fool’s Mate while showing solid fundamentals over gimmicks. With historical references and advice, the post encourages learning through proper development and awareness, reminding players to enjoy the game... carefully. - Don't Be A Fool, Mate

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@AmnaelBlackburn's reflective blog explores chess as both art and science while thoughtfully examining the role of modern technology and AI. It reinforces human creativity, encouraging players to balance technological tools with personal understanding to preserve the beauty and human essence of the game. Are we the fools? - Smart Enough to Create it, Dumb Enough to Need it

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@SirBestor came up with a playful April Fools blog that humorously criticizes Chess.com while pointing out the fun and addictive nature of online chess. Blending satire with personal reflection, he shares some community experiences, common frustrations, and the joy of the game, all wrapped in a witty and entertaining tone. - Chess.com Sucks. Here's why

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@King_Red_A explored the history, culture, and creativity behind April Fools' Day through entertaining stories and famous pranks. Blending humor with real-world cases, he gives many examples of the spirit of playful mischief, curiosity, and storytelling. All that while keeping readers engaged with fun and imaginative content. - Punchline: A Fool's Guide to April Fools' Day

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@Duo-Owl wrote a witty blog that imagines a world where FIDE removes chess pieces entirely, turning the game into a hilariously “modernized” version of itself. With mock news reporting and clever reactions, he playfully satirizes change in chess, without forgetting the creative tone to entertain readers. Can you play blindfolded? - Breaking News: FIDE bans chess pieces in all games

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@Sukuna-9800 posted a cheerful and energetic post, sharing a joyful day at school. It is not chess-related, but perhaps that was the prank he was playing on the judges. Filled with personal pride, he tells his readers that he is going to the North Shore. Also, it seems like he finally knows the meaning of his own name. Congratulations! - Northshoreeeeeeeeeeee

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@BeeShopPear presents a fictional “breaking news” story about chess being solved through the Bongcloud opening. He brilliantly blends satire, funny dialogue, and media parody. All that while highlighting critical thinking and skepticism, but also amusing his readers with a clever and creative take on chess culture. - News: Chess Solved! – Best Opening: Bongcloud (An April Fools’ Day Special)

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THE MEDALISTS

Now it is finally time to meet the winners!

Without further ado, let's start by giving the Bronze Medal, whose blog will be mentioned in my next post, to:

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Congratulations to him! Now, the Silver Medal, which entitles the winner to judge next month's The Blogger Awards 2.0, goes to:

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And finally, the Gold Medal! The lucky winner who will get either a one-month membership from @VOB96 or a gift card. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in congratulating:

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COMMENTS FROM THE JUDGES

@VOB96:

I don't think it is necessary to justify the first two. Both pretty good blogs and what I expected when creating this contest. My third goes to @fischersh2pawn because I think he managed to teach chess well and be instructive while also linking to the date (we never said they should be necessarily troll blogs). Then comes @chickpea123456's hilarious opening that was well presented. The crab is cute too, by the way. And my fifth was @OSWALDbini because I enjoyed the different stories and was not aware of many of them.

If I didn't place you in my top 5, don't worry nor get discouraged! I am overall very satisfied with what you guys delivered and you will definitely have other chances in the future. We hope you enjoyed the festival!

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@nova-stone:

Many thanks to all of you! I've really enjoyed reading through your posts. The creativity and originality that some of you people put to the table is wonderful, and it makes it very rewarding to be a judge in a contest like this.

First of all, it's ironic that you took the April Fool's Contest as seriously as you did. There were more entries for this day alone than the entirety of March TBA put together. Was that because of the BlogChamps finals?

The top three were quite clear to me. @JugadaBrillante, @MrRiskau99, and @fischersh2pawn created blogs that stand well on their own regardless of the occasion for which they were submitted. The last two were rather more difficult, and I had about eight candidates for two spots. In many cases, the originality, creativity and humour made them all eligible.

In the end, I decided upon @Ikorac in 4th place and @chickpea123456 in 5th. Both used some funny analysis about nonsensical chess, which I appreciated. They were on equal footing, but I decided upon this order because Ikorac's blog may have use and relevance beyond the occasion of April Fool's.

Finally, a special mention to @read-23, whose blog post about blitz inspired me to take up the glove and push for a 2600 blitz rating. I was two games away, but the enterprise ultimately required 24 games, a table slam, and a few extra Tony's Chocolonely's to make it. But I did. Thanks all the same!

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@KevinChessSmith:

@JugadaBrillante: Super job taking real yet surreal events and making them even more absurd. Great extensions of prior tricks. 

@MrRiskau99: Jonathan Swift like satire that engaged me for the entire read. Great images.

@chickpea123456: Love it, the Caro-Crab is appealing just because of the name! Then to see it explained so audaciously!

@King_Red_A: The Candidates games don't really link to an April Fools theme, but I love seeing so much history about the date. Some similar research into chess.com and chessable pranks of the past might have paved the way to a podium spot.

@fischersh2pawn: Bordered on the serious but maintained enough foolish spirit to earn a spot in my top five.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

Thank you again to everyone who submitted an entry, but also to those who simply spectated and encouraged the participants to post! Together, we made this event very special and read lots of great entries.

This was the second time we had tried something like that in BlogChamps, and it was again a worthwhile experience.

So, as you all know, it is time to announce the third edition!

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WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY'S CONTEST

Easter is coming! A day to eat lots of chocolate, right? So let's use the opportunity to announce the next spin-off contest.

As you probably don't know (but will now), 7 July is a special date called World Chocolate Day.

It is a day dedicated to celebrating the most delicious thing ever invented by humans! The chess blogging world must honour it by showing how this beloved sweet is related to our favourite game! Be creative and show us why!

Here are the rules for this new contest:

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1) Registration is not required. Anyone can participate!

2) On 7 July at 00:00 (Kiribati time), I will post a kick-off announcement and open the submission forum. The forum will be closed on 7 July at 23:59 (Hawaii time), giving you 48 hours to submit. (It must be the 7th somewhere in the world – it's as simple as that.)

3) Your post must be about chess and also relate to chocolate or the World Chocolate Day in some way. That's the only general requirement; everything else is up to the writer. Get creative and surprise us!

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The blogs will be judged by @VOB96 and two other judges to be defined (I will definitely invite @ChocoCaramelPawn). They will read all the blogs and select their favourites based on the same criteria that were used for the previous contests.

And what will you get?

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PRIZES

Bronze: I will mention your blog in my post on 15 July.

Silver: The same as for 3rd place + you will be a judge at the Blogger Awards in August (or at any other month if August is not possible).

Gold: The same as the 3rd and 2nd prizes + another prize that will still be defined and given by @VOB96.

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That's it, guys! We are now turning our attention back to the registration of BlogChamps Season 11, which begins on 15 May. We hope to have as many people as possible participating to make it historic!

We'll meet again in a few days to announce the season format and rules, which will probably be published by @Alina_Bakhtina_24.