Nici clinched her first ever level-2 “Holiday” title as she won Game 5 of the 2025 Holiday Masters.

She mostly had the die on her side and put in a brilliant tactical performance against her collaborating parents, Sissy and Harry, to win the tournament at a final aggregate score of 3-1-1.

Nici was the only player to save her pawns in perfect tactical order (🔴🔵|🔴🔵|🔵🔴|🔵🔴). When she saved her fourth blue pawn, she had her fourth red already 2/3 around the track and avoided opponents’ pressure as she moved into championship-point position.

Still, Sissy almost got to extend the tournament as she got her fourth black pawn in match-point position while Nici missed her first four championship points. Sissy then missed two match points herself before Nici threw a “1” to convert her third championship point after 1:55 hours of play.

Harry had his fourth green pawn lurking behind Nici’s fourth red pawn but most probably would have had to pass on the following move. He had his third violet pawn 5/6 around the track and his fourth back in their yard.

After winning her most valuable title so far, Nici took over first place in the Medal Race and should be optimistic going into the first “Major” of the season and aiming for her first trophy. The 2025 World Masters is scheduled to begin next weekend.