Andy Woodward Upsets Ray Robson to Win 2025 Chess.com Puzzles Championship
Fourteen-year-old GM Andy Woodward has made history by dethroning the reigning champion, GM Ray Robson, in the 2025 Chess.com Puzzles Championship. Woodward, who was the runner-up in the previous year, turned the tables this time and emerged victorious, earning $1,500 for first place while Robson settled for $1,000 in second place.
The intense competition saw Woodward defeating Robson convincingly in the Winners Final with a score of 5-2. However, Robson fought back in the Grand Final, winning 5-2 in their second match. The Grand Final Reset was the deciding factor, with Woodward narrowly clinching the victory with a score of 2.5-1.5.
The knockout stage featured the top eight puzzle-solvers, including GMs Robson, Woodward, Daniel Naroditsky, Pranav Venkatesh, and Raunak Sadhwani, as well as IMs Liam Putnam, Yoseph Theolifus Taher, and Anthony Atanasov. The matches were intense, with players receiving the same puzzles as their opponents and focusing on consistent scoring rather than just achieving the highest score.
Commentator NM Sam Copeland humorously remarked, “There’s death, there’s taxes, and there’s Ray Robson winning the Puzzles Championship.” However, Woodward’s impressive performance shattered that narrative and secured his well-deserved victory.
Woodward’s journey to victory was marked by exceptional puzzle-solving skills and determination. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he maintained his composure and ultimately emerged as the champion. His strategic approach and confidence were key factors in his success.
In an interview following his win, Woodward expressed his surprise at the outcome and credited his confidence and practice for his performance. He plans to save his prize money and celebrate by playing more Puzzle Rush, highlighting his passion for the game.
The 2025 Chess.com Puzzles Championship showcased the incredible talent and competitive spirit of the participants. As the chess community looks forward to future events, Woodward’s victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of chess competitions and the potential for new champions to emerge.