Grandmaster Varuzhan Akobian won the champion’s title as part of the U.S. team at Brazil-hosted 9th Pan-American Team Championship.

The event brought together 28 participants, with Akobian playing on the second board.

With a round to spare, the U.S. team managed to clinch victory at the Pan-American Team Championship and ensure themselves a berth into the World Team Championship, due on December 1, 2013 in Antalya, Turkey.