The 2025 U.S. Masters Chess Championship (USM) concluded in dramatic fashion, with Grandmaster (GM) Awonder Liang securing the coveted title after an intense blitz tiebreak against GM Andrew Hong. Liang, rated 2701, clinched the victory in Charlotte, North Carolina, proving his status as one of America’s elite talents.
The U.S. Masters, held over the Thanksgiving weekend from November 26–30, 2025, has a long history, often referred to as “The Annual Homecoming of the American Master”. This year’s edition, hosted by the Charlotte Chess Center and sponsored by the North American Corporate Chess League and Chess.com, continued the tournament’s tradition of high-level competition. The event is officially recognized as a US Chess National Championship and is part of the FIDE Circuit, linking performances directly to the World Championship Candidates cycle.
A Grueling Nine-Round Battle
The 2025 USM featured a highly competitive field, drawing more titled players than almost any other American tournament and offering a $25,000 guaranteed prize fund. Competition was fierce across the nine-round Swiss system, played with a time control of G/90 plus a 30-second increment.
GM Awonder Liang and GM Andrew Hong (2568) finished the classical rounds tied for first place with identical scores of 7.5 points. Liang, one of the early leaders after Round 1, and Hong, who had a strong start to reach 3.0 points after three rounds, battled through the deep roster of grandmasters.
Other elite GMs who challenged the leaders included GM Jeffery Xiong (2649), who was the highest-rated American in the field and started with a perfect 3.0 out of 3 score. Also in the chasing pack were GM Alexander Donchenko (2641) and GM Benjamin Bok (2588). Both Xiong, Donchenko, and Bok finished with 7.0 points, earning a share of the high prize money. Liang’s stellar performance led to him reaching number 27 in the live world ratings. Despite his success, sources indicate Liang is currently pursuing grad school at Webster University.
As the clear winner of the playoff, Liang secured the top prize of $5,750, plus the USM trophy and title, with Hong earning $5,250 as the second-place finisher.
The Climactic Bishop and Knight Endgame
The tournament came down to a blitz tiebreak between Liang and Hong, culminating in a complex and famous endgame. Liang ultimately delivered a checkmate using the challenging bishop and knight mating pattern.
In a critical sequence leading up to the end, the sources noted that a tactical moment forced White (Hong) to sacrifice a Rook for Black’s (Liang’s) two passed pawns. The position transformed from a Rook vs. two passed pawns scenario into the technical Bishop and Knight vs. solitary King endgame.
During the dramatic tiebreak finish, an observer noted that Andrew Hong requested a 50-move draw, “just in case,” one move before the mate was delivered. The official count for the 50-move rule, a rule requiring a draw claim if 50 moves pass without a pawn move or capture, was confirmed to be 31 moves at that point. The successful conversion of the Bishop and Knight pawnless endgame was considered “awesome” by fascinated observers.
Tournament Context and Notable Developments
The 2025 US Masters, held at the Hilton Charlotte University Place, served as a major opportunity for players seeking international norms. The “Super Swiss” format of the U.S. Masters is particularly valuable as it waives standard federation diversity requirements for norm achievement. Several players achieved FIDE title norms, including:
• Avi Kaplan (IM norm).
• Evan Sammons (IM norm).
• Seth Homa (IM norm).
• Martyna Starosta (WIM norm).
The depth of the tournament was evident from the start, with over 100 titled players registering perfect scores after Round 1. The event featured a mix of experienced grandmasters and ambitious juniors. Young American talents such as IM Carissa Yip (2459), who finished with 6.0 points and won the Top Female prize, and IM Tanitoluwa Adewumi (2428) were noted for their strong performances, reinforcing the strength of the junior field.
The tournament was not without its moments of intrigue and drama
• Olexandr Bortnyk’s Withdrawal: GM Olexandr Bortnyk (2601), who was known as a dangerous rapid starter, withdrew suddenly after winning his first two games convincingly. His name disappeared from the Round 3 pairings, marked only by a mysterious “U” (unexcused absence) on the standings sheet. The Charlotte Chess Center, the organizer, stated he withdrew due to “personal reasons,” and no further details were provided, leaving fans with unanswered questions.
• Postgame Incident: WGM Dina Belenkaya (2230), a well-known commentator and content creator, declined the classical ritual of postgame analysis after losing her Round 4 game on November 28, 2025. Belenkaya lost to the untitled player Ni Beiyang (1998), who reached a notable score of 2.5 points after the victory. Belenkaya remained silent and avoided eye contact as her opponent attempted to discuss the game, but her reaction did not involve unsporting conduct or breach of tournament rules.
The US Masters solidified its role as a key proving ground for American and international competitive chess. Players who started poorly but were rated under 2400 FIDE had the option to withdraw and join the NC Open (a parallel event with a $12,500 prize fund) for a discounted $100 fee.
Awonder Liang’s victory in the tiebreak, highlighted by the successful technical mate, marked a significant personal achievement, adding to the reputation of this prestigious Thanksgiving tradition. The tournament offered free internet, free parking, and side activities, including a $2,000 Blitz Tournament that was free for USM players.
Liang’s determined effort throughout the nine rounds and his mastery in the quick time control endgame were fitting endnotes to one of the most competitive U.S. Masters editions to date.
Top 10 Finishers at the 2025 U.S. Masters Chess Championship
The following list details the final top 10 players based on their scores, ratings, and prizes, according to the official standings after the 9-round Swiss system and tiebreak:
| Rank | Name | Rating | Total Points | Prize / Notes |
| 1 | GM Awonder Liang (USA) | 2701 | 7.5 | $5,750 + Trophy / Playoff Winner |
| 2 | GM Andrew Hong (USA) | 2568 | 7.5 | $5,250 |
| 3 | GM Jeffery Xiong (USA) | 2649 | 7.0 | $1,420 |
| 4 | GM Alexander Donchenko (GER) | 2641 | 7.0 | $1,420 |
| 5 | GM Benjamin Bok (NED) | 2588 | 7.0 | $1,420 |
| 6 | GM Aditya Samant (IND) | 2529 | 7.0 | $1,420 |
| 7 | GM Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux (CAN) | 2521 | 7.0 | $1,420 |
| 8 | GM Gleb Dudin | 2585 | 6.5 | (No individual prize listed for 8th) |
| 9 | GM Francesco Sonis (ITA) | 2558 | 6.5 | (No individual prize listed for 9th) |
| 10 | GM Bryce Tiglon | 2549 | 6.5 | (No individual prize listed for 10th) |
Rewatch the 2025 U.S. Masters Chess Championship live here
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