2024 National Elementary School Championship Recap

The 2024 National Elementary School Championship in Columbus, Ohio was a thrilling event that saw 1,586 players from 42 states competing for the title. The competition was fierce, with players from all over the country showcasing their skills and determination.

In the K-6 category, the final day saw a tight race with eight players tied for first place with a score of 5/6. The stakes were high, and the top four boards were set for a winner-take-all showdown. In a surprising turn of events, the top two boards ended in draws, leaving the game on board four as the decider. Artemii Khanbutaev emerged as the sole K-6 Champion after a hard-fought battle.

In the K-5 Championship, Ted Wang dominated the competition with a perfect 7/7 score, securing the title with a brilliant performance. The team standings were also dominated by New York schools, with PS 77 Lower Lab taking the top spot.

The K-3 Championship saw Sasha Milo Schaefer crowned as the champion with a score of 6½/7. Florida’s Oak Hall emerged as the team champion, breaking the New York dominance at the top.

In the K-1 category, the championship ended in a three-way tie, with Devansh Vellanki, Ajay Sreenivasan, and Mustafa Muhammad sharing the title. Trinity School took the team championship, showcasing the depth of talent in New York schools.

Overall, the 2024 National Elementary School Championship was a testament to the skill and dedication of young chess players across the country. The competition was intense, the games were exciting, and the champions emerged victorious after a grueling battle. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their outstanding performances!