KHON2.com posted our good esports news on January 14, 2025.
By Cameron Macedonio, KHON2
Eighth graders Noah Cheng and Christina Mar respectively won the chess title and placed third in the "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" tournament
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Assets School students Noah Cheng and Christina Mar excelled at their respective esports championships, with Cheng winning Assets School’s third consecutive chess championship and Mar placing third in a “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” solo championship.
Cheng, who is currently in eighth grade, snatched the title in a 2-0 win last month. Cheng’s passion for chess originated when he began playing the game with his father in the first grade.
“Winning this tournament meant all my practice at school and home paid off,” Cheng said. “I wanted to win to represent my school proudly… When I was presented with the trophy, I felt I had accomplished my goal for this chess season.”
Mar, who is also currently in eighth grade, went undefeated in the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” category until the semi-finals at the Vanta Hawaii Esports League Tournament.
“We cannot say how proud we are of Christina,” said her 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.”
Cheng and Mar’s performance were described as “remarkable” and “superb” respectively by their coaching teams.