2024 National Middle School (K-8) Championship Kicks Off in Atlanta, Georgia

The 2024 National Middle School (K-8) Championship kicked off in Atlanta, Georgia with a record-breaking 1,200 players participating in the event. The opening ceremony, despite a few flight delays, was a success with the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” What makes this year’s championship even more special is that all key chief positions for the event are held by women, a first in US Chess history.

The Blitz and Bughouse Championships saw some intense competition with young players showcasing their skills. Guest Grandmaster WGM Katerina Nemcova engaged in a 30-board simul, with a few players managing to secure victories against her. The main event, the K-8 Championship, saw top-seeded FM Eric Chang Liu off to a strong start with back-to-back wins, aiming to continue his winning streak from the previous year.

Notable upsets and draws added excitement to the early rounds of the championship, with players like Neal Thio Hong and Lev Shangin making their mark. With live coverage available on Twitch, chess enthusiasts can follow the action closely and witness the next generation of chess talent in action. Stay tuned for more updates from the 2024 National Middle School Championships.