Record-breaking 2,700+ Participants at National Harbor Chess Tournament

The National K-12 Grade Championships in National Harbor, Maryland, saw a record-breaking attendance of over 2,700 chess players this year. From kindergarteners to high school seniors, all 2,704 participants were part of this massive event, surpassing the previous year’s attendance by over 200 players.

The tournament, held from December 6 through 8, featured intense competition with players competing in seven rounds of 90-minute games based on their grade. With no “under” sections, many matchups in the early rounds showcased significant rating gaps, making for exciting and instructive games.

Top-rated players in various grade sections, including FM Avi Kaplan, IM Evan Park, and IM Erick Zhao, showcased their skills and strategic prowess in their games. The competition was fierce, with many players maintaining undefeated scores going into the final rounds.

Guest grandmaster GM Rashad Babaev engaged in simultaneous exhibitions and blitz sessions with players, adding to the excitement of the event. The Girls Club, featuring GM Irina Krush and Rochelle Ballantyne, offered a variety of games, lectures, and activities for attendees.

In addition to the main tournament, the National Scholastic Blitz Championship and Bughouse Championship saw impressive performances from players like Logan Shafer, Ariv Debmisra, Ronen Wilson, and Brian Tay.

Follow the action live on US Chess’s Twitch channel and stay updated on results and standings throughout the weekend. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and competition in the world of scholastic chess.