The National Junior Chess Championship 2026 concluded with reigning champions FM Jaden Shaw and Amy Stephenson successfully defending their titles in a display of strategic mastery. The tournament, held from March 14 to 22, brought together 40 of the island’s most promising young chess talents across two competitive sections.
In her final appearance at the Under-20 National Junior Chess Championship, Amy Stephenson secured an impressive third consecutive female title with a remarkable score of seven victories, one draw, and a single loss. Her triumphant performance placed her ahead of WCM Kaia Gayle and Kaity Gayle, who claimed second and third positions respectively after tiebreak calculations. The top five was completed by Emilia-Rose Leake in fourth place and Victoria Aung in fifth.
The Absolute Championship witnessed FM Jaden Shaw achieving an extraordinary fourth consecutive title with an almost flawless record of eight wins and one draw. Jaden Foreshaw captured the runner-up position, while Rushawn Robinson secured third place on tiebreak ahead of WCM Gabriella Watson in fourth. CM Nathaniel Hope rounded out the elite group of top performers.
Tournament chair FM Warren Elliott praised the event’s organization and competitive spirit, noting that the Absolute section featured 24 contenders while 16 participants competed in the female category. The nine-round championship provided a rigorous testing ground for the nation’s emerging chess prodigies, demonstrating the growing strength and depth of junior chess talent on the island.