PHNOM PENH – The intellectual landscape of Cambodia saw a brilliant display of strategy and sportsmanship as Paragon International University (Paragon.U) hosted the first-ever Paragon.U Rapid Chess Team Championship 2026. Held over the weekend of 28–29 March, the event brought together young minds for two days of high-stakes, rapid-fire competition.
The championship was established with a clear mission: to provide high school students with a structured and supportive environment to engage in competitive chess. While the primary focus remained on secondary education, the tournament also welcomed university teams, creating a unique atmosphere of mentorship and community building between different age groups.
A total of 53 participants representing 10 diverse teams from leading educational institutions competed in the tournament. The lineup included:
- CIA FIRST International School – High School (ICBM) — 6 members
- PANNASASTRA International School – RSK Campus (Alter Elo) — 6 members
- CIA First — 6 members
- Kent Ridge International School (kirk) — 4 members
- Southbridge International School (Killers Stars) — 6 members
- AUPP High School – Foxcroft Academy — 6 members
- Institute of Technology of Cambodia (Knightmare Squad) — 4 members
- Joy School — 5 members
- Milky Way School — 5 members
- BELTEI International School — 5 members
Please join us in celebrating our 2026 winners:
1st Place: CIA FIRST International School
2nd Place: Institute of Technology of Cambodia
3rd Place (Tie): Joy School & BELTEI International School
A special round of applause to our Best First Board and Best Female Player for their outstanding individual performances!
Thank you to our partners—Phnom Penh Checkmate, Cambodia Chess Federation, and Bright Education Consultant—for helping us build a platform where young minds can shine. See you at the next edition!
