Highlights: 2008 World Under 18 co-champion, 2009 Champion of State Champions

Bio: Sam Shankland, a self-proclaimed “typical teenager,” racked up more than 200 points in just over a year, picking up his IM title along the way. He claimed the last spot in the U.S. Championship after winning the final match of the State Champion of Champions. The match went all the way down to the wire, with he and opponent Mackenzie Molner splitting the rapid and blitz matches. Although he’s one of the lower-rated players in the tournament, it’s anyone’s guess how far he’ll go.

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