2025-2026 Online Regional Qualifier to B.C. Chess Challenge

Location: Online

 

BC's Annual Chess Showdown is Back!

Attention all B.C. students from Kindergarten to Grade 12! Our esteemed annual Chess Challenge series is here, and it's bigger and better than ever! This event is not only the initial move to a series of challenges but also your ticket to the national glory of the Canadian Chess Challenge.

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Our Legacy

BC is back on top! 🏆
After 34 years, Team BC brought home the 2023 Canadian Chess Challenge title.
Will you be part of the next winning team?

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The Road Ahead

Starting Oct 5th at UBC, the series kicks off with the first of three Regional events, leading up to the grand Provincial Championship in April 2026. Score 2.5 points or higher, or finish in the top 3 in your grade in a regional, and you've paved your way to the B.C. Chess Challenge, the stepping stone to national recognition.

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Who Should Join?

Whether you're a budding chess enthusiast or a seasoned player, this event is for YOU. While you have the chance to play against the best in your grade, this event is equally about sharpening those strategic edges and gaining invaluable tournament experience. While players can join multiple qualifiers, remember that you can claim only one trophy or medal across the qualifiers.

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Are You Ready?

We've made history; now, it's YOUR turn to be a part of this legacy. Will you be the next pride of BC? Dive into intense training, develop your strategies, and come prepared to continue our reigning legacy.

Get set, make your move, and let's keep the BC chess legacy burning bright!

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Provincial Organizers

Vancouver Chess School (VCS) will be organizing the Regional qualifiers and the Provincial Chess Challenge. Victoria Junior Chess Society will be hosting the Victoria Regional.

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Regional Qualifier

Tournament Details
Qualification:	B.C. students only Grade P - 12
Time Control:	G20
Format:	5-round Swiss format
Ratings:	CMA
Activity	Starts	Ends
1st Round	4:00 pm	4:40 pm
2nd Round	4:40 pm	5:20 pm
3rd Round	5:20 pm	6:00 pm
4th Round	6:00 pm	6:40 pm
5th Round	6:40 pm	7:20 pm
Awards Presentation	Est. 7:20 pm	-
Prizes:	Grade K-12: Medals to top 3 players in each section. Award certificates to all participants.

 

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Direct Entry to Provincial

Both Team BC members and players qualified by rating are eligible to skip regional events. These players can directly participate in the provincial tournament.

2024 Team BC Members and Players Qualified by Rating (Grade K-4: CMA, 5-12: CFC) as of Jan 15th, 2026

Grade	Team BC Name	Rating	Qualified by Rating Name	Rating
1			Casper Chen	893
2	Bowen Wang		Bowen Wang	930
3	Jimmy Rao		Karson Lu	1870
4	Josiah Lo		Elliot McCallum	1820
5	Aaron Gu		Moses Li	1736
6	Andrew Yin		Andrew Yin	2107
7	Jesse Law		Zachary Chua	1971
8	Joanne Wangluo		Zachary Liu	2236
9	Zichun Xiao		Justin Gao	2126
10	Liam Tu		Justin Xu	2242
11	Joey Xu		Ethan Song	2411
12	Robert McBain		Adam Mrazek	2291

 

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Notice to players:

• Playing up is not allowed. 
• May combine sections if they are small.

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Individual Tie Breaker for Swiss format:

1. Direct Encounter (Head to Head)
2. Cumulative score
3. Opposition cumulative score

Round Robin format:

1. Direct Encounter (Head to Head)
2. SonneBorne-Berger

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🔐 Mandatory Requirements

• Regular login (No guest registration)
• Webcam ON for the entire tournament
• Use computer only (no iPads or tablets)
• Chrome browser highly recommended

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⚡ Registration Rules

• Zoom waiting lounge opens 30 minutes before start.
• Zoom & Tournament Arena will be locked when the tournament starts. No late arrivals allowed.

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♟️ Online Tournament Rules

• Do not "X" out of your game. Only Checkmate, Resign, or Draw (after move 30) are allowed.
• No draw offers before move 30.
• Anti-cheating software is active. No computer support or external assistance allowed. Violations will result in a permanent ban from VCS tournaments.
• Players must be alone in a quiet room with webcam on. Background noise or disruptions may result in penalties.
• No talking during the game.
• Washroom breaks are only allowed between rounds. Leaving during play may result in forfeit.
• Arbiters’ decisions are final and must be respected.
• Appeals must be submitted in writing within 48 hours to info@vanchess.ca. Include player name, event name, and game link if available.
• By registering, players and guardians accept all rules. VCS is not liable for outcomes or disciplinary actions arising from rule enforcement.

 

Registration fees: $40. Sibling discount $10 off for the 2nd member or higher in the family. No registration after 8:00 pm the night before the tournament. Must pay online in advance. 

Refund policy: No refunds within 24 hours. For refunds with more than 24 hours notice: Log into the student's account and click cancel under "My tournament."

Ratings: Chess n' Math (CMA)

Contact:

• Email: info@vanchess.ca
• Phone: (604)568-3283