International Master Josiah Stearman claimed first place and the state title at the 148th Annual New York State Championship, which concluded on September 7, 2026, at the Albany Marriott.
Recognized as America’s oldest annual chess tournament, the traditional Labor Day weekend event was designated as a US Chess Heritage Event with 150 Enhanced US Chess Grand Prix points.
The main Championship Section (1900+) featured 88 players competing in a 6-round Swiss format.
IM Josiah Stearman delivered a dominant performance, finishing clear first with an impressive 5.5/6 points. Stearman secured the grand $2,000 top prize, the $100 state champion bonus, and the coveted title of New York State Champion.
Championship Section top standings:
1 IM Josiah Stearman 2551 NY – 5.5
2 Connor Junda Wang 2132 NY – 5.0
3-9 Deepak Aaron 2383 NY, FM Jasmine Su 2356 CT, Priyansh Garg 2271 NY, IM Jay Richard Bonin 2263 NY, Leo Xiaohang Shen 2243 NY, James J Marsh 2242 NY and Armaan Chandragupta Jain 2158 NY – 4.5 etc
Guaranteed Prize Fund: $18,000 distributed across five main rating sections.
Championship Field: 88 entrants competing for FIDE ratings and Grand Prix points.
Side Events: The festival included the NY State Blitz Championship, a free lecture by IM Jay Bonin, and the NYSCA Annual Membership Meeting.
Mixed Doubles: $1,200 in bonus prizes awarded to top male/female team pairings.
