Greetings from Cary, North Carolina USA.

I'm part of the Fischer generation that took up the game in the 70s. My provisional rating after my first rated OTB tournament was 1210. Twelve years later I earned my USCF National Master title.

I'm an active senior player and have won numerous several awards/titles:

2014 Georgia Senior Open
2015 Georgia Senior Open
2021 North Carolina Senior Open
2023 US Senior Open Best Player by Age 60-64
2024 North Carolina Super Senior Open
2024 North Carolina Senior Open
2024 North Carolina Senior Blitz
2025 North Carolina Super Senior Open (co-champion)

I had the privilege to travel to Palm Springs CA and represent North Carolina in the 5th John Irwin National Tournament of Senior Champions. It was simply incredible to meet many of the legends of my childhood. I had a decent result (2 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws) included draws against GM James Tarjan and GM Larry Kaufman.

As the 2024 NC Senior Champion, I'll also had the honor to be the official NC representative for the 8th Annual John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions held in Madison, WI in July 2025. I was ranked 13th going in and ended up with 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss and a tie for 8th-11th place. It was a pleasure to play so many players from other states. Lots of memories, good games and new friends. I hope I have the opportunity to participate again.

I’m headed to Crete for the ACO 50+ Senior Championship in October, 2025. I’m also registered for hte ACO 65+ Senior Championship in Kos, Greece.

I'm a chess evangelist who shares my passion and love of the game. I can often be found at chess meetups in both Cary and Raleigh NC. Chess and beer is a match made in heaven!

I am passionate about 960 chess. It eliminates the ability for opponents to regurgitate rote memorization based on opening prep.

MC0-11 - best Christmas present ever!

Erik Walker and Mark Hoshor sharing first place in the 2021 NC Senior Championship.

Group Photo - 5th Annual John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions

Group Photo - 8th Annual John T. Irwin National Tournament of Senior State Champions

hoshor