GM Mahel Boyer (center) holds the national championship trophy surrounded by teammates and GM Cristian Chirila (far right), the team's head coach and program director
After two days and three rounds of play, Mizzou Chess Team took home the title of national collegiate chess champion with 7.5 points out of a possible 12 — adding a second trophy to the team’s 2024 national title.
Mizzou beat University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (3.5-0.5) and Saint Louis University (2.5-1.5). And despite dropping a tough match to Webster University (1.5-2.5), the Tigers’ cumulative score was more than enough to secure the title.
With two wins and a draw against strong opposition, Grandmaster Mahel Boyer — a personal financial planning major in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources — was Mizzou’s MVP.
“His teammates Aryan, Isik, and Luka all contributed when it mattered, but Mahel's performance stood out,” said Grandmaster Ioan Cristian Chirila, head coach and program director of Mizzou Chess Team, “He played with real composure and was the difference maker.”
Mizzou's WIM Annmarie Muetsch (left) and WIM Tea Gueci hosted a livestream, broadcast by Saint Louis Chess Club.
Mizzou also hosted the inaugural Women's President's Cup, where Saint Louis University earned the women’s national title.
“This was the first time we hosted the President's Cup at Mizzou, something I've wanted since we started the program in 2019,” said Chirila, “and honestly, it exceeded expectations.”
Throughout the two days of play, Mizzou's Annmarie Muetsch and Tea Gueci hosted a livestream, broadcast by Saint Louis Chess Club. Both are Woman International Masters who gave expert play-by-play analysis while engaging with and entertaining spectators.
“Seeing it come together like this is special,” Said Chirila, “the venue, the partnership with Saint Louis Chess Club, the support from our colleagues in the College of Arts and Science, the level of play. All of it.”
Chirila also recognized competition arbiter Louis Reed and the event’s organizing team.