Talent, confidence and community
Smart Moves: Girls Who Lead brought together two inspiring activities designed to celebrate girls in chess: a dedicated blitz tournament and a special masterclass. It is organized by the International School Chess Federation and the Confederation of Chess for Americas within the framework of the FIDE ISCF World Schools Team Championship American Continental Stage 2026.
Participants began the day with the blitz tournament — competing, challenging themselves and connecting with young players from across the region. The tournament was followed by a masterclass with WIM María Elena Rodríguez, member of the Costa Rican Women's National Team, who shared her chess journey and lessons about confidence, perseverance and achieving goals on and off the board.
More than a competition, it is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of female chess players, create meaningful connections, and build a space where girls grow, learn and feel empowered through chess.
WIM María Elena Rodríguez
Woman International Master · Costa Rican Women's National Team
Her masterclass shares a real journey in chess — confidence, perseverance and goals on and off the board.
Format
7-round Swiss blitz tournament
Time control
3' + 2"
Eligibility
Girls aged 16 and under · By invitation
Masterclass
WIM María Elena Rodríguez · Costa Rican Women's National Team
Twenty players. Seven rounds.
The full final ranking, round by round, is published on Chess-Results.
August 13 · DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari
Seven out of seven
- 1
Larissa Mayorga Araya
7 points out of 7 · WCM - 2
Alana Patricia Castro Campos
6 points - 3
Keilym Francinnie Duran Araya
5 points · unrated
Larissa Mayorga won all seven of her games. Keilym Francinnie Duran took third place, coming to the tournament unrated and finishing ahead of several rated players. At the closing ceremony, all twenty participants received their certificates, presented by Tris-Ann Richards, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess and a leading advocate for the development of girls’ and women’s chess.
