The 3rd King’s College Bangkok Chess Championship, held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, proved to be a historic event as Filipino child prodigy Asher Judd Sy claimed the top prize in the prestigious FIDE Rated Category. Representing Life Academy International (LAI), the 14-year-old Grade 8 student navigated a highly competitive field to emerge as the champion in one of Bangkok's largest inter-school competitions.
Asher scored a total of 5.5 points after the FIDE (World Chess Federation) sanctioned tournament 6-Rounds Swiss System competition that used 15 minutes plus 5 seconds increment time control format. Asher scored five straight wins against Arthicha Kijkamjai of Thailand, Petr An Volkov of Russia, Gunn Daniel Wutti-Udomlert, Nakorn Nakthip, and Pavatt Uapongkitikul of Thailand before drawing his final game against Gavin Siridanupath of Thailand.
"I am very happy for winning this tournament and very thankful to all who supported me financially and emotionally," said Asher.
The tournament, hosted in the spacious sports hall of King’s College International School Bangkok, saw an impressive turnout of 275 participants from over 50 different schools. This year’s edition was particularly significant as the organizers, Red Knight Chess, introduced the FIDE Rated category alongside the traditional age-group divisions (U7 to U18), raising the stakes for elite young players like Asher.
Asher’s road to the gold trophy was paved with disciplined preparation under the mentorship of LAI Coach Jason Rojo. The young strategist displayed remarkable composure and tactical precision throughout the day, watched by spectators and parents from the hall’s observation balcony.
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