My Chess World 2025 Western State Regional Chess Championship
My Chess World 2025
April 20, 2025
My Chess World is a nonprofit organization that encourages female participation in chess tournaments particularly in underserved areas. In partnership with USChess.org and the Washington Chess Federation, we held the 2025 Western States Regional Chess Championship for Girls and Women on April 12-13. It had a record attendance of 46 female participants with strong outreach and growth prospects. Experienced players included Megan Lee, a US Open Women’s Champion, and WA State men and women Champion. Along with Chouchanik Airapetian, a sponsor and organizer of this amazing event and Manunthon Atikankhotchasee, a FIDE Arbitor – the players brought vast experience of FIDE and USCF Chess rules.
This event was initiated in August 2024 by the generous sponsorship of USChess.org with a $5,000 grant in collaboration with My Chess World and Washington Chess Federation contributions. The tournament was organized into 3 sections named after inspiring female champions: Megan Lee, Diya Deshmukh, and Carissa Yip. The goal was to make this a triple rated event: Northwest, USCF, and FIDE - to engage experienced, developing, and unrated young female participants. We offered side activities including a chess simul with Megan Lee, workshop with Chouchanik Airapetian, and puzzle solving competition with Josh Sinanan. All three events achieved maximum capacity participation. Jennifer Shahade donated her book, Play Like a Champion, as an award for the puzzle solving competition. Additionally, amazing awards were offered for each section along with a cash prize for categories including: ‘Upset’, ‘Best Etiquette’, ‘Best Mother and Daughter Team’, ‘Kindness and Spreading Joy’, and ‘Best Dressed’ awards.
The tournament winners will be posted in the Northwest Chess magazine and online. We required US Chess membership for all sections. This event was scheduled across 2 days to incorporate all activities into a Regional Tournament with recommendations from Chloe Miller, Washington Chess Federation High School Ambassador and Orlov Academy for hosting it on the first day. Food service included contributions from Sahara Pizza on Mercer Island.
Generous donations from the ‘Pawns to Queens Gala’ held on March 21, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Bellevue helped fund prizes for the 3 sections of this event. The gala was supported by USChess.org, My Chess World, and Washington Chess Federation including President - Josh Sinanan, and Member at Large - Ani Boroa. We are also grateful to the community for donation for silent auction and continued efforts to empower young females in chess. More information will be provided in www.mychessworld.com website.
Chouchanik Airapetian
CEO and President of My Chess World
206-914-4252
Hello@mychessworld.com
