1/28/25 - The 2025 Oregon Chess All Stars Invitational

The following story was written by 6th grade student Riaan Deharia.

The Oregon Chess community came together on January 25, 2025, for the highly anticipated Oregon Chess All Stars Invitational, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic. This event brought the talents of Oregon's top scholastic chess players, offering a platform for young minds to demonstrate their skill and passion for the game.

This tournament was participated by 88 talented players who had proven their abilities through a variety of qualifying methods. Players could secure their spot in the event by ranking among the top ten in their age group in Oregon, or by receiving the esteemed Order of the Knight Award during the Oregon Chess State Championship. This award recognizes individuals who display exceptional sportsmanship and fair play throughout the competition.

Phil Schapker Mendez, President of the Oregon Scholastic Chess Federation (OSCF), opened the event by welcoming participants and providing an overview of the day's proceedings. Following his remarks, Zoey Tang, President and Founder of Puddletown Chess, took the stage to deliver an inspiring speech on the importance of dedication and mastery in pursuing one's passions. Her words not only encouraged the young competitors but also served as a testament to her own achievements, as she had recently earned the coveted title of Grandmaster.

The All-Stars Invitational featured five intense rounds of competition. Players faced off under a time control of 25 minutes per player, with an additional 5 seconds added per move. All 5 rounds ended by 4:15PM PST and the awards ceremony followed. Players were awarded who achieved a plus score of 3.0 points or higher with well-deserved medals. Additionally, the top three places in each of the 9 sections received cash awards, totaling $100 in each section.

The successful return of the Oregon Chess All Stars Invitational is a testament to the dedication of the OSCF board members, volunteers and its sponsors. It was a blast and I’m looking forward to participating in future again. For a more detailed analysis of the tournament, please refer to the official tournament report -  https://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?202501258472.0

Upcoming tournaments:

Don’t forget to sign up for the upcoming tournaments hosted by OSCF: 

• The Individual State Championships in Seaside (April 4-5, 2025) - Seaside, 

• The Co-Ed State Team Championship (March 16, 2025)- Oregon Convention Center 

Riaan Deharia