Originally named after after 8-time Western MA/CT Valley Champion and candidate master Eli Bourdon, the Mass Chess state champion trophy was officially renamed the John Curdo Memorial Trophy in 2026, in honor of 17-time Massachusetts State Champion John A. Curdo.

Special thanks and appreciation go to former Mass Chess President NM Rob King, who worked with Guertin Graphics of Worcester, MA to take what had become over time a very tired and old trophy, and beautifully restore it to properly honor the legendary John Curdo!

To celebrate the transformation and renaming of the John Curdo Memorial Trophy, we created a special "reveal" video plus a "Before and After" presentation we hope you enjoy!

Can't view the video below? Use this link instead.