founder profile - Zoey Tang

Bio

Zoey Tang is the Founder and the President of Puddletown Chess. She has the titles of Woman International Master and FIDE Master. Zoey is a two-time (2023 and 2024) Oregon state chess champion (first female state champion in Oregonian history, and probably the youngest). As of September 2024, Zoey is the highest rated girl for her age in the world. She is also the twelfth highest-rated player for her age regardless of gender in the US.

Chess is a beautiful and complex game, and Zoey is excited to teach it to other people who may not have picked it up otherwise. In addition, she looks forward to seeing more competition-level players in Oregon. Zoey has a wide variety of experience in teaching, from serving as a coach at organizations like Puddletown Chess and Unruly Queens to writing articles for the American Chess Magazine. Besides chess, Zoey also enjoys playing the piano, studying math, playing tennis, and reading.

Chess Achievements

  • Champion – 2024 Oregon Open
  • Champion – 2024 Haring National Tournament of Girls’ State Champions
  • Tied 5th – 2024 Women’s American Cup ($10k prize!!)
  • Champion – 2023 North American Junior Championship (G20)
  • Champion – 2023 Pan-American Youth Championship (G16)
  • 3rd place – 2023 US Girls’ Junior Championship
  • Champion – 2023 + 2024 Oregon Closed Championship (first female + youngest champion)
  • Champion – 2022 North American Youth Chess Championship (G18)
  • 2nd place – 2022 Haring National Tournament of Girls State Champions
  • Champion – 2021 North American Youth Chess Championship (G14)
  • Co-Champion – 2021 National US Womens Open tournament
  • Champion – 2021 Oregon Junior Closed invitational tournament
  • 3rd place – 2021 Oregon Closed Championship invitational tournament
  • Silver medal – 2020 FIDE World online international Championships (G12)
  • Champion – 2020 US Chess/Chesskid Online Elementary Championship (K-6)
  • 2nd place – 2019 17th Annual Susan Polgar Girl’s invitational tournament
  • U.S. Qualifier – 2017-2024 World Youth and Cadets Championship tournaments
  • Champion – OSCF State Championship Platinum Sections (multiple times)