12-Year-Old Wins Plains Library Chess Tournament

Gauge Loya goes undefeated in 3rd Annual Junior Chess Tournament

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Gauge Loya, a 12-year-old from Thompson Falls, Montana, won the 3rd Annual Junior Chess Tournament at the Plains Public Library after going undefeated with four victories. The tournament featured 12 competitors aged 8-12, with the rest being from the local Plains community. Loya faced off against 11-year-old Isaac Wilder and 9-year-old Warren Boon in the final round-robin matchup, ultimately defeating both players to claim first place.

Why it matters

The chess tournament provides a competitive outlet for young people in the community who may not be interested in traditional sports. It promotes strategic thinking, concentration, and friendly competition among the participants.

The details

The tournament was sponsored by the Plains Public Library and was free to enter. After two and a half hours of play, Loya emerged as the champion, besting Wilder and Boon in the final round-robin. Loya said one of his strategies was to plan two moves ahead, and he gained confidence in his chess skills after initially losing to his parents when he first learned the game a year ago.

  • The 3rd Annual Junior Chess Tournament took place on Saturday.
  • The library is planning to host an "All Ages Tournament" on March 21, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The players

Gauge Loya

A 12-year-old from Thompson Falls, Montana who won the 3rd Annual Junior Chess Tournament at the Plains Public Library after going undefeated.

Isaac Wilder

An 11-year-old who finished in second place at the tournament.

Warren Boon

A 9-year-old who finished in third place at the tournament.

Nikki Ericksen

The library director who helped organize the chess tournaments.

Terry Watkins

The library custodian who started a chess club at the library three years ago and helped organize the tournaments.

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What they’re saying

“I never thought I was that good, but I guess I am.”

— Gauge Loya (Sanders County Ledger)

“The more you lose, the more you win - that's how you learn.”

— Terry Watkins, Library Custodian (Sanders County Ledger)

“There are a lot of kids that aren't sports kids. We need other things to celebrate and compete with their brains.”

— Nikki Ericksen, Library Director (Sanders County Ledger)

What’s next

The library is planning to host an "All Ages Tournament" on March 21, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The takeaway

The chess tournament provides a competitive outlet for young people in the community who may not be interested in traditional sports, promoting strategic thinking, concentration, and friendly competition among the participants.