Vaibhav Kalpaka clear first at 3rd Blue Ridge Rating Premier 2026

FM Vaibhav Kalpaka scored an unbeaten 4.5/5 to win 3rd Blue Ridge Rating Premier 2026.

Vaibhav’s first rating tournament triumph of the year

FM Vaibhav Kalpaka scored 4.5/5 to become the champion. GM Jianchao Zhou (USA), FM Gabriel Petesch (USA), Kevin Wang (USA) and WCM Eliza Tereshchenko scored 4/5 each. They shared second place.

The total prize fund was US$ 6550, $3200 in Premier (USCF ≥2000). The top three prizes were $1200, $800 and $400 each.

Champion – FM Vaibhav Kalpaka 4.5/5 | Photo: Atlantic Chess Association

Interview with FM Vaibhav Kalpaka | Video: Atlantic Chess Association

Runner-up – GM Jianchao Zhou (USA) 4/5 | Photo: Atlantic Chess Association

Runner-up – FM Gabriel Petesch (USA) 4/5 | Photo: Atlantic Chess Association

FM Vaibhav Kalpaka scored an unbeaten 4.5/5, finished a half point ahead of the field and gained 17.6 Elo rating points

Replay all available Premier section games

A total of 46 players took part from various parts of USA. The three-day five-round Premier (USCF ≥2000) Rating tournament was organized by Atlantic Chess Association at Washington Dulles Airport Marriott in Dulles, Virginia, USA from 18th to 20th September 2026. The time control of the tournament was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment.

Final standings in Premier section

Links

Tournament details

Atlantic Chess Association: Official site and instagram