Historic Chess Tournament Kicks Off at Iconic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – From March 28-30, 2025, the 2025 SuperStates Scholastic & Senior (50+) State Chess Championship took place at the renowned Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, marking the first time in 100 years that a chess event was hosted at this iconic venue. Organized by ICEA Chess, the SuperStates Championship is the largest chess tournament in Southern California, attracting 1050 players and more than 3,000 attendees. This landmark event, which brings together the best chess talent from both the scholastic and senior divisions, is one of the most significant chess competitions in Los Angeles history.
The 2025 SuperStates Championship is particularly historic because it is the first time that the scholastic and senior chess competitions have been brought together for a unified event. The tournament serves as a state championship, and champions from both divisions will earn the honor of representing Southern California at the prestigious National Invitationals. This collaborative effort has elevated the tournament’s importance and set a new precedent in the chess community.
At the forefront of this milestone event is 13-year-old National Master Felix Guo, one of the youngest National Masters in the U.S. and the founder of ICEA Chess. Guo, who recently represented Team USA at the World School Championship in Peru, has played a pivotal role in expanding the chess scene in Los Angeles. By bringing the SuperStates Championship to the Biltmore Hotel—an iconic venue that has hosted world leaders and Hollywood stars for decades—Felix is continuing to make history and cement his legacy in the chess world.
NM Felix Guo said, “Chess is one of my greatest passions, and because of this, I decided to establish this club in Southern California. There aren’t many opportunities for chess here, and there is a lack of platforms for people to connect and exchange ideas to improve their skills. I wanted to create this club to bring more chess opportunities to everyone and also connect with more people who love the game.”
Coach Jay, the former organizer of SuperStates and founder of Coach Jay Chess Academy, shared his excitement, saying, “From 2011 to 2024, my wife and I co-organized the SuperStates Chess Championship in Southern California. Now, I’m thrilled to pass this event on to Felix and his family at ICEA (International Chess Education Association). They are highly organized and incredibly welcoming. The scale of this year’s chess tournament is truly impressive, with over 300 more participants than the tournament we held last year in Valencia. It’s remarkable, and the event has been run smoothly and efficiently.”
The 2025 SuperStates Championship marks a new era for chess in Los Angeles, offering a unique opportunity for both youth and senior players to compete side by side. As the largest and most significant chess event in Southern California, the championship provides a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and make their mark in the world of competitive chess.
