The first round of the tournament was held at Lowanna College in Newborough, where up to 100 gifted chess gurus from dozens of schools gathered.

The winners of the regional competition will proceed to the state finals, where they will have a further chance to take their chess capabilities to the national level.

Secondary and primary school students competed in the tournament with three different categories for primary, junior and senior secondary students.

Individual and school awards were handed out after total points were compiled at the end of seven matches.

The best school at chess was Mirboo North Secondary College, with Drouin Secondary College in second place and Warragul Primary School in third.

South Gippsland Secondary College student Ben Harris travelled from afar to win first in the tournament, with Mirboo North student Daniel Potter snatching second and Neville Hall from Drouin taking home third.

Lowanna College co-organiser Ros Peterson said it was the first time Lowanna had hosted the tournament but it had been participating in ChessKids for many years.

``The kids love it, most schools in the area have kids playing (chess) at lunchtime. We have lots of games of chess that kids play at lunchtime,'' Ms Peterson said.

``We're keen to host it again and we had a great day. The winners got medals and everyone gets a certificate.''