FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2025
Chess Tournament Contact: Armen Ambartsoumian
Email: AmericanChessAcademy@gmail.com
City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations
Email: Communications@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-3342
For Press Images, Click Here.
Glendale Hosts Over 300 Competitors at 2025 Southern California Open Chess Tournament
Glendale, CA — More than 300 chess players from across the country participated in the 2025 Southern California Open Chess Tournament, held August 29 to September 1, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Glendale. The tournament brought together a dynamic mix of youth competitors, seasoned experts, and internationally ranked Grandmasters for four days of intense competition.
Organized by dot818, the Southern California Chess Federation, and the American Chess Academy, the event offered multiple rated sections, giving players at every level, from amateurs to masters, a chance to compete.
Among the featured competitors were:
- Fidel Corrales Jimenez – Grandmaster, USA
- Viktor Matviishen – Grandmaster, Ukraine
- Arman Mikaelyan – Grandmaster, Armenia
- Tigran L. Petrosian – Grandmaster, Armenia
- Tatev Abrahamyan – Woman Grandmaster, USA
“This tournament exceeded all expectations,” said Armen Ambartsoumian, Founder of the American Chess Academy and tournament organizer. “The level of play was exceptional, and the response from the chess community was truly inspiring. We’re proud to have brought this energy and competition to Glendale, and we’re already looking ahead to an even bigger event next year.”
“Glendale is proud to host this prestigious chess event,” said Mayor Ara Najarian. “It’s events like these that reflect the spirit of our city, welcoming, competitive, and globally connected. Good luck to all the players.”
The tournament awarded over $50,000 in prize funds, with top players earning recognition and cash prizes:
- Open Section
- Grandmaster Viktor Matviishen – 1st Place: $5,000 & Trophy
- U2300 Section Co-Champions
- Vardan Khojayan – $3,000
- Matthew Spencer Shuben – $3,000
- U2100 Section Co-Champions
- Hayk Sardaryan – $3,000
- Davit Simanovski – $3,000
- U1900 Section
- U1700 Section Co-Champions
- Sean Ting – $2,250
- Matthew Hajoon Choe – $2,250
- U1500 Section
- Patrick Lazaryants Harrigan – $2,000
- U1300 Section
- Adam Vega Crisostomo – $2,000
The Southern California Open Chess Tournament has been a premier event in the competitive chess circuit for over three decades. This year’s tournament marked its first time hosted in Glendale, building on the city’s growing reputation as a destination for cultural and competitive excellence.
For more details, visit GlendalePlaysChess.com and dot818.com/Southern-California-Open/.
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About the Southern California Open Chess Tournament
This Tournament has been a premier event for competitive chess players for over three decades, drawing top talent from across the country, and is known for its rigorous competition, high-caliber participants, and strong tradition of fostering chess excellence.
About Glendale
Known as the “Jewel City,” Glendale is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County. With a population of nearly 200,000, Glendale is a thriving, culturally diverse city that supports world-class events and community engagement. The City continues to invest in public spaces, recreation, and cultural programming that elevate quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Visit GlendaleCA.gov for more information and follow us on social media @MyGlendale.
