The Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge has inspired over 1 million young players since 1996. Each year, the event captures the imagination of children, parents, schools, and the media — from local newspapers to national broadcasters.
Recent Media Coverage
Bradford prodigy shines at Gigafinals
Bradford Telegraph & Argus — 23/07/2025
Eight-year-old Amandeep Singh of Stocks Lane Primary School claimed the Under-8 Boys’ title at the Delancey UK Chess Challenge Gigafinals, held at Sandown Park Racecourse. Competing among 700 of the UK’s top juniors, his victory secures a coveted place at the prestigious Terafinal in October.
Woking prodigy claims national chess title with perfect score
Woking News & Mail — 25/07/2025
Dildarav Lishoy Gengis Paratazham of Goldsworth Primary School won all seven matches in the Under-10 Open section at the Delancey UK Chess Challenge Gigafinals, held at Sandown Park Racecourse. His flawless victory secures a place in October’s Terafinal at Blenheim Palace and reinforces his reputation as one of the UK’s top young talents.
Highlights Over the Years
Featured in ChessBase
The world’s largest chess competition
Featured in Primary Times
Former Waitrose boss Lord Mark Price backed the 2017 Terafinal, awarding prizes and championing the role of chess in education.
Featured in The Telegraph
Obituary of International Master Mike Basman, founder of the UK Chess Challenge and a pioneering force in British chess.
Gallery
Press Archive
A selection of coverage from across our 25+ year history.
- Haringey community Press (2025): Muswell Hill chess prodigy wins national youth tournament
- Northwich Guardian (2025): Hartford’s Scarlett, 8, crowned girls’ U8 chess champion
- This is Local London (2025): Bromley girl wins Delancey UK Chess Challenge Terafinal
- Milton Keynes FM (2025): Milton Keynes chess superstar shines at chess challenge
- Northwich Guardian (2025): Northwich girl Scarlett, 8, hoping for next chess win
- This is Local London (2025): Bancroft’s School pupil Mary Cawdery wins national chess cup
- Macclesfield Nub (2025): School chess team ‘punching well above their weight’ on the national stage
- Worcester News (2025): Worcestershire players snag prizes at UK Chess Challenge
- Barnet Borough Times (2024): Harrow’s Bodhana Sivanandan wins Delancey UK Chess Challenge 2024
- Coventry Observer (2024): Coventry champion returns to national chess competition
- Haringey Community Press (2023): Muswell Hill chess prodigy wins competition final
- Macclesfield nub News (2023): Ukrainian chess prodigy from Macclesfield qualifies for nationals
- York Press (2023): Ukrainian chess champion from York to compete in ‘fierce’ tournament
- Delancey (2022): Blenheim Palace hosts the 27th Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge as it reaches its grand finale
- Bristol Grammar School (2022): Chess Megafinal at BGS
- Shropshire Star (2022): Chess stars of the future to face off at UK Chess Challenge event in Shropshire
- In Your Area Community (2021): Bushey 8-year-old crowned Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge Champion
- Blenheim Palace (2021): “The country’s brightest young chess players took part in the 26th Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge at the Palace at the weekend.”
- Delancey (2021): Champions are crowned at Blenheim Palace for the 26th delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge
ale
- Delancey (2021): Blenheim Palace hosts the 26th Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge as it reaches its grand finale
- Battersea Chess Club (2021): Terafinal 2021: Three Battersea juniors into grand final as Denis hits 8.5/9
- Delancey (2021): The countdown is on for the grand finale of the Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge 2021
- Spotify (2021): Adam and Ben talk to Sarah Longson of the UK Chess Challenge
- Chessable (2020): An Interview with WFM Sarah Longson
- Delancey (2020): COVID-19 is no match for the UK’s intrepid junior chess players as the 25th Delancey UK schools’ Chess Challenge reaches its grand finale
- Delancey (2019): The countdown is on for the grand finale of the Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge 2019
- Delancey (2018): World’s largest children’s Chess Tournament
- Battersea Chess Club (2017): Koby Kalavannan pipped at post in Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge final
- Delancey (2015): The Delancey UK Schools’ Chess Challenge comes to a close 2015


