Chess · Worth knowing

Wesley So claimed his fourth U.S. Chess Championship title after winning a rapid playoff against Fabiano Caruana, capping a dramatic tournament filled with striking upsets. Bottom-seeded GM Andy Woodward defeated top-seeded Caruana in Round 5 to end his 54-game unbeaten streak and finished fifth, while GM Sam Sevian—entering Round 11 in last place—upset the leading So to end his 48-game streak, though So recovered to win the championship and $56,000. Sixteen-year-old rookie Woman International Master Rachael Li of Plano, Texas, won her first U.S. Women's Championship title with $45,000 in prize money, becoming the second youngest female player to capture the title. The tournament showcased the depth of American chess with both divisions featuring unexpected performances and dramatic finishes across the 24-player field competing for over $400,000 in total prizes.

Erwin l'Ami, a Dutch grandmaster who has competed in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament since 2003, will become the new tournament director starting with the 2028 edition, succeeding Jeroen van den Berg after nearly three decades in the role. Van den Berg will step down following the 89th edition in January 2027, with both directors working jointly during that transition year to ensure continuity before l'Ami assumes full responsibility for the 2028 tournament.