National Champions Crowned: FM Rose Atwell and IM Eric Chang Liu Shine at the 2026 K-12 Championship!
Atwell and Liu Crowned National Champions at 2026 High School Chess Championship
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 National High School (K-12) Championship, FM Rose Atwell and IM Eric Chang Liu emerged as co-champions, both finishing with impressive scores of 6½ out of 7. However, Atwell clinched the title on tiebreaks, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning chess career.
Atwell, an 11th grader from California, recently crossed the 2400 FIDE rating threshold for the first time, solidifying her status as a rising star in the chess world. With all three norms already secured, she is poised to receive the International Master (IM) title at the next FIDE Congress. Her consistent performances have made her a familiar face at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships and the U.S. Women’s Championship in St. Louis.
Meanwhile, Liu, a 10th grader from Texas, continued his remarkable streak at the spring nationals. This victory marks the fourth consecutive year he has either won or shared a spring championship title, starting from his triumph in the 2023 National Middle School Championship as a 7th grader. Liu has now gone unbeaten in spring championships for five years, showcasing his resilience and skill on the board.
The championship featured intense competition, with a four-way tie for first place in the team standings, including Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School (NY), Stuyvesant High School (NY), Arizona College Prep Erie Campus (AZ), and Dalton School (NY), all finishing with 19½ out of 28 points.
As the final rounds unfolded, Liu entered the morning match tied for first with IM Julian Colville. A decisive win would have given him a clear path to the title, but a misstep led to a draw, allowing Atwell and others to catch up. Both players secured victories in the final round, solidifying their positions at the top.
The championship weekend was not just about competition; it was a celebration of chess, featuring special events and exhibitions, including a blindfold exhibition by GM Fidel Corrales. The atmosphere was electric, with players, coaches, and spectators all reveling in the excitement of the game.
As the dust settles on this year’s championship, Atwell and Liu stand out not only for their impressive performances but also for their potential to shape the future of chess in the United States. The chess community eagerly anticipates their next moves as they continue to rise through the ranks.