521 Players, Countless Stories: Hudson's Epic Day  
published on September 22, 2025

When a 10-year-old fifth grader entered the high school division and finished with a perfect score, it was only one of many memorable moments at the Hudson Chess Tournament. On September 20th, 521 players from across the Rio Grande Valley gathered at Hudson Elementary for a day that showed the depth and growth of scholastic chess in South Texas.

From kindergarteners earning their first wins to middle schoolers competing in a 153-player field, Hudson produced its share of upsets, perfect runs, and tight team races. What unfolded was less a single event and more a reflection of how strong and wide-reaching the Valley’s chess community has become.