NM Charles Troutman to lead WashU for Pan-Ams

Charles Troutman III is a rising senior set to graduate from Washington University in May 2026. The Atlanta native has decided on a career in technology and is currently an intern at the design company Figma. Located in Silicon Valley, the company had a massive IPO in July, resulting in a $68 billion valuation, and will help chart the course for the AI era.

Troutman is currently preparing to lead “WashU” to the Pan-Am Intercollegiate tournament, where more than 70 schools have registered. Rated 2215, he earned his National Master’s (NM) title in May years after being spotted at the 2019 Chicago Open. The Chess Drum caught him during the blitz tournament, where he showed his sharp style.

Troutman migrated to St. Louis in 2021 after graduating from The Lovett School, a private independent institution and one of the best K-12 schools in the city. The school has a student-centered approach that encourages critical thinking and exploration, and chess seemed to be the perfect platform for Troutman. His father, Charles Troutman, Jr., is also a tournament competitor.

While he was one of the top scholastic players in Georgia, he further elevated his play in St. Louis, spending a lot of time playing regularly at the St. Louis Chess Club. In past years, he also served as Co-President of WashU’s chess club (2023-2024) and Vice-President (2022-2023).

Washington University is one of the premier institutions in the state, but it does not tout the chess pedigree of its neighbors, Webster University and St. Louis University. However, Troutman will lead three teams to Schaumburg, Illinois (outside of Chicago) for the Pan-Am Intercollegiate from January 2nd-5th at the Hyatt Regency.

Troutman Throwback from Chicago Open 2019

Pan-Am website: https://www.chessweekend.com/
Entry List: https://www.kingregistration.com/entrylist/PanAm26