Just came here to remark that the contest would make more sense as a coaches contest if there were more than one student for each coach in each category. E.g., one player may not be able to prepare well due to personal reasons (I think that something similar happened already in rating 0-799 group).
2025 CoachChamps: Official Discussion Thread
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Also, how about checking rating difference (gain or loss) of students as a measure to evaluate coaches (granted it does not count for ability to perform well in tournaments; but this could be fixed by forcing selected students to take part in tournaments only [no standalone games] for a short period [e.g., a week] after a period of coaching [e.g., a month]).
I'm rooting for both CM Can Kabadayi and GM Artur Neiksans, mainly because of their amazing chess channels on YouTube, those are the true hidden gem 💎 for serious improvers. And best wishes to all the other coaches as well.
Oct 9, 2025
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#8
Thank you for the opportunity to participate. Just from training and preparing, my Rapid rating increased over 200 points. I was unhappy with myself and how I played yesterday, but that's no reflection on my coach (GM Finegold) or the format of the event. Additionally, the staff from Judit on down was fantastic... Very supportive and encouraging to us novices who just want to have fun and get better at this great game. One thing I might remark on... I was surprised to learn that current Rapid rating was the only consideration when placing participants into the groups. I learned that at least some of my group mates had much higher Blitz and/or daily ratings, so I think it's possible that they were much more skilled than their rapid rating alone suggested. It may be more appropriate to consider ratings at all levels in some sort of weighted fashion when determining a candidate's placement into the tiers. Just a thought... Again, thank you for the opportunity. It was a great event and I look forward to seeing more Improvers getting similar opportunities in the future. Well done!!
I'm rooting for Levy Rozman
Oct 9, 2025
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#10
Everyone is rooting for the coaches instead of the people :/
I'm rooting for @cegalleta !
Oct 9, 2025
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#12
Two really entertaining endings of games from yesterday that caught my eye, shared below for those that didn't see.
Feel like I'm cheering on everyone that plays anything unusual for an exciting game. Also those with training sessions I've managed to spot on YouTube for the rest of us to learn something too 
Oct 9, 2025
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#14
I hope who ever was able to do it is/had a fun time I wish I was able to participate but I had problems with my schedule
Oct 9, 2025
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#15
Wind wrote:
Suggested by: @Cartoon46
To discuss all things 2025 CoachChamps related!
Share your thoughts and experiences as a player.
Or which players and coaches you're rooting for as a spectator.
Game analysis, favorite moments, your predictions for the event, you name it!
Gotham Chess
I am not sure if this is on topic in this thread (please let me know if not).
A puzzle from the 2nd game in comment #13
Black to play and mate in 3
Rooted for @Kiriyamakazuo @Nabbolini and @QQQ1M, and only those people. Today all the best @Gothenburgess
Oct 10, 2025
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#20
My support goes to Dina Belenkaya — she shines both as a coach and as a commentator.
Her coaching is a breath of fresh air; she brings genuine respect for every player (even when she yells!).
Beyond technical analysis, Dina sees the human side of chess and has a wonderful way of listening to the game and connecting with her audience.
AND congrats to all the players of all the coaches. Bravo :-)
Suggested by: @Cartoon46
To discuss all things 2025 CoachChamps related!
Share your thoughts and experiences as a player.
Or which players and coaches you're rooting for as a spectator.
Game analysis, favorite moments, your predictions for the event, you name it!