WFM Alexandra Botez Is The Next Star To Go Up Against Four Prodigies In Kids vs. Stars

WFM Alexandra Botez is not intimidated to play chess in front of a legion of strangers online. But now she’s about to do something much scarier—play against four kids who are literally younger than Instagram. The next episode of Kids vs. Stars takes place on April 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET / 22:30 CEST, with WFM Ashley Qian, Kenneth Alba, and WCMs Larissa Mayorga and Abigail Zhou representing the Kids team.

Kids vs. Stars is where fans can enjoy the seemingly endless potential of the next generation of chess players. In this event, four talented prodigies will play in a clock simul against the established chess celebrity WFM Alexandra Botez.

Representing the Kids team is 13-year-old and 2024 Ontario Chess Challenge Grade 5 champion WFM Ashley Qian; Kenneth Alba, one of the strongest Mexican players in his age group; 12-year-old and two-time Central American and Caribbean Champion WCM Larissa Mayorga; and 10-year-old and 2023 Pan-American Youth Festival Under-8 Girls champion WCM Abigail Zhou.

The format of this episode remains the same, with Alexandra facing all four kids simultaneously. The streamer will have 65+15 on her clock, with the kids having 15+15, and the time will keep running throughout the game. The first team to score 2.5 points wins.

The four prodigies will join forces to try to bring the Kids team its first win in the event’s current format. With four clock simul episodes so far, the Stars have won three by a close 2.5-1.5 score, with only GM David Howell delivering a convincing 3-1 win. With such tight results, fans can’t help but wonder when the kids will finally break through. 

You can enjoy all the Kids vs. Stars action by tuning in to Chess.com’s official broadcast on YouTube and Twitch. IM Jovanka Houska and FM Mike Klein will team up to host the show and provide commentary during the broadcast. Fans are also welcome to join Alexandra’s stream on her BotezLive channel, where she’ll be sharing her perspective as she goes up against the kids.

Who do you think will win this episode of Kids vs. Stars? Let us know in the comments below!