Checkmates, Assets' Esports Chess Team, secured their third consecutive Vanta Hawaii Esports League Chess Championship!
Noah '29 secured his second consecutive Vanta Hawaii Esports League Tournament championship last month, held at the Hawaii Pacific University Esports Arena.
"Winning this tournament meant all of my practice at school and home paid off," said Noah. "I wanted to win to represent my school proudly. I played chess online and with my grandpa at home. I had weekly lessons with my chess tutor to improve my understanding of this game. Going into the match, I wanted to do my best and have fun. I felt very joyful and excited when the match was over. When I was presented with the trophy, I felt I had accomplished my goal for this chess season."
“Winning three consecutive championships is an extraordinary achievement for our school,” said Coach Gabe Bridgman. “This accomplishment puts us on the map in the island chess community. It represents not only the hard work and dedication of our players but also the way our school cultivates unique talents and passions. To be in the upper echelon of the island chess world is a testament to the strength of our students and the opportunities they’ve embraced.”
Coach Gabe added, “Noah is a remarkable chess player, and his growth in such a short time has been nothing short of inspiring. His ability to analyze the board, anticipate his opponent’s moves, and strategize precisely is impressive. Watching him evolve into a confident and skillful player has been a privilege. What makes it even more special is that I had the joy of being his chess teacher in second grade. Seeing how far he’s come from those early days is both humbling and rewarding. One lesson I always share with our students is that chess, much like life, is about making the best decision with the information you have in the moment. It’s about patience, perseverance, and learning from every game, win or lose. Noah exemplifies this mindset, a key part of what has brought him and our team so much success.”
Here is a timeline of Assets School's three wins.
First victory in 2023
Our team has excelled since debuting in 2023, taking the top three spots in their first championship series. Jesse '28 won first place that year, followed by Teo '28 in second and Noah '29 in third.
Second victory in April 2024
Noah triumphed over competitors from six schools and 22 players, while Jesse reached the semifinals, and Teo made it to the quarterfinals.
Third victory in December 2024
Noah claimed his second straight title with a decisive 2-0 victory at the Hawaii Pacific University Esports Arena last month.
Under the guidance of Middle School teacher and Coach Gabe Bridgman, the Checkmates have risen to prominence. Noah also took first place in the 2025 World Chess Festival Scholastic Tournament (under the 1800 category) on December 29 at the Blaisdell Center.
“Noah’s goal in the spring semester is to represent Assets and compete in the State Scholastic Chess tournament tentatively set for March,” said Noah's dad, Geoffrey Cheng.
Cheng started playing Chess with his dad in the first grade. He began playing at Assets School in Bridgman’s chess class in the second and third grades. He continued playing Chess in his fourth-grade teacher’s class. He played online at chess.com. With encouragement from his parents and Mr. Gabe, he joined the Checkmates Chess Club.
Christina '29 reached the top four in the semifinals of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, solidifying Assets' esports excellence across platforms. Thanks to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Coaches from our IT Department, Jeff Kajiyama and Ray Kaneshige.
"We cannot say how proud we are of Christina," said Coach Ray Kaneshige. "Placing third in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate solos league is a tremendous accomplishment that is made even more impressive with Christina being undefeated up until the semi-finals. Christina's performance in the season was superb and exemplifies the time and effort she put into the game."
Director of Athletics Kenneth Powell oversees our esports, PAC-5, and Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) teams. About 40 percent of Assets students participate in sports. Mr. Powell aims to provide every opportunity for students to compete and experience the fun, challenges, and education of participating in team and individual sports.