Mason Wu, a seventh-grader at Blendon Middle School, is competing in the U.S. Chess Federation’s National Middle School (K-8) Championships through Sunday, May 1 in Grapevine, Texas.
It is the first time Wu, who has been playing chess since the first grade, has attended a national competition.
“I feel excited, a bit nervous and maybe a little confident,” he said.
He is a dedicated chess player, vying in tournaments across the region, working with a coach every week and playing chess every day. He is also a member of Blendon’s Chess Club, which meets once a month.
Through his play in regional chess tournaments, Wu has been able to build his rating score, which determines his skill level. This year, he has earned a rating of 1,600 — which qualifies him to compete in the championship matches.
“He is living large through chess,” his mother, Vicky Wang, said. “He worked hard. He learned to make friends and help others.”