Monday 7th April 2025

On Sunday, March 30th, the Waitaki Boys’ High School auditorium was abuzz with quiet intensity and strategic thinking as we proudly hosted the 2025 Aoraki Chess Competition. This year’s event saw 49 talented players from 11 schools across the Aoraki region gather to compete in a day filled with concentration, camaraderie, and competitive spirit.

The tournament featured three age divisions—Under-12, Under-14, and Senior—and it was particularly exciting to note that half of the participants were Year 7 or 8 students. This strong turnout from our younger chess players signals a bright future for the sport in the Aoraki region.

Under-12 Division

The youngest age group showcased impressive emerging talent. Fox M. from Waihi School took top honours with a commanding performance, followed by Zane CJ. from Mackenzie College in second place and Marlow K. from Oamaru Intermediate in third. The top female player in this division was Paige S. from Bluestone School.

Under-14 Division

In the Under-14 category, local schools shone once again. Caleb M. from St. Kevin’s claimed first place, with Muhammad M. from Waitaki Boys’ securing second, and Luka F. from Oamaru Intermediate placing third. Erin D. from Waitaki Girls’ was named the top female competitor in this division.

Senior Division

The Senior division delivered a thrilling finale, with Paul G. from Waitaki Boys’ finishing unbeaten—an impressive 7 wins from 7 games—earning him the title of back-to-back Aoraki Champion. Teammates Sean B. and Donovan H. rounded out the top three, making it a clean sweep for Waitaki Boys’. The top female player was Anne P. from Waitaki Girls’. In a dramatic twist, four players tied for second place with 5 points, requiring tiebreaks to determine the final standings.

Congratulations to all players who participated. Your focus, sportsmanship, and determination were on full display throughout the day. We extend our thanks to all schools who attended and to the volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly.

We look forward to welcoming you back for future competitions—chess in Aoraki is thriving! ♟️

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