The Royal House of LaBeija descended upon The Historic House of Ebony Ball: Bloodline Vol. 46: "The Game" with one goal: to make history. And history was made. Members from regions across the United States flew in early, uniting for the Realness as a House category with the kind of precision and poise that only LaBeija could deliver. With a $5000 grand prize on the line, the house debuted a chess-themed production, "Checkmate," that turned the runway into a living game board. Led by NYC Father Marcus, who produced the performance and designed the King and Queen’s custom looks, the house shone with custom looks by Edwing D’Angelo and jewelry pieces by Alexis Bittar that embodied regal excellence. While the trophy went to another, the house delivered a performance that commanded respect and etched its place into ballroom lore.

This wasn’t just a production—it was a collective statement of unity and strength. For the first time under the house’s new leadership, all U.S. regional fathers—alongside the overall father Lyric LaBeija —stood together under one roof. Their presence amplified the magnitude of the moment, as members from across the country spent days rehearsing, perfecting every move of their chessboard-inspired routine. Performers embodied chess pieces—Knights, Rooks, Bishops, Pawns—culminating in the grand reveal of the King and Queen from behind a six-panel divider. The reveal was more than a visual spectacle; it was a reminder of LaBeija’s legacy of innovation and artistry, brought to life by synchronized movements and striking custom designs.

Though the grand prize went elsewhere, the House of LaBeija proved yet again why they remain iconic. Their presence, their precision, and their artistry redefined what it means to walk as a house. The full performance, available on Ballroom Throwbacks, captures the magic of a house that doesn’t just step onto the runway—they transform it. LaBeija didn’t just play the game; they set the standard, leaving no doubt that they are, and always will be, the first and the finest.