The unique format of the event enables not only regular adult hobbyist but beginner kids to participate. Eighteen out of the thirty-nine registered players were under 18 years old. In addition, many first-timers performed very well upsetting many of their much higher rated opponents. Throughout the event, these youngsters and novice players definitely gave their more experienced counterparts a run for their money as many of them won the top awards!

Congratulations to all the prize winners. In the top section, Charles Kinzie, Aldrich Ong (9th grade), William Warren, Alev Karadayi, Steven Porta Jr. (3rd), Jeremy Mossa, and Luis Evaristo (6th). In the amateur (novice) section, prize winners were Mark Cook, Corey Eckhart (12th grade), new-comer Gerry Scott, Jesse Koons (5th), Ashmit Adarsh (4th), and Chris Johnston. Special mention goes to 12th grader Chrystal Solis from Whittier High School who won the special chess computer prize for the best scoring "first-time" player award.