Siddharth Manikandan Wins 2025 U.S. Amateur East Chess Championship

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Siddharth Manikandan, a freshman at Churchill Junior High School, won first place in the Championship section of the 79th Annual U.S. Amateur East Individual Chess Championship, held over Memorial Day weekend at the Delta Hotels Woodbridge in Iselin, New Jersey. The tournament drew 238 talented players from across the Northeast U.S.

After winning his first four games with a performance rating of 2339, Siddharth entered round five tied for first place. He drew that game against the eventual runner-up and maintained his lead on tiebreaks heading into the final round. In round six, he secured a draw against Chess Kings and Queens coach Josh Hill, finishing with a 5 / 6 score to clinch the Championship.

This achievement builds on Siddharth’s already impressive chess resume. Earlier this year, he tied for 2nd place in the Varsity section of the 2025 New Jersey High School State Championship. He also tied for 1st place in the 9th Grade section of the 2024 New Jersey K-12 Championships, leading his school team to a commendable third-place finish in the team standings.

Siddharth’s chess journey began at the age of three, and the game has remained a central part of his life. Beyond competing, he enjoys coaching and mentoring younger players, sharing the strategic depth and joy of the game with others.

Off the board, Siddharth is a consistent honor roll student, an opposite hitter on the freshman volleyball team, plays alto saxophone in the Honors Wind Ensemble, and an active member of Math Club and Model Congress at Churchill Junior High.

Siddharth's recent achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also brings pride to the Churchill Junior High School community and serves as an inspiration to aspiring young chess players.

The full standings and championship details can be viewed on the New Jersey State Chess Federation website here.