08/03/2026
This past weekend, Saber Light Knights sent nine fighters to **TSL X**, The Saber Legion's premier international championship tournament, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Competitors from across the United States and abroad gathered to test their skills against the world's best in one of the most prestigious events in LED saber combat.
Representing Saber Light Knights were Headmaster Ryan McKenna, Dark Lord Chicco Smith, Lord David Graham, Knight Em Watson, Ronin Michael Sprague, Sentinel Liz Pritchard, Marauder Mychal Mendoza, Headmaster Kristi Jerome, and Initiate David Lowdermilk. Each fighter stepped onto the international stage determined to represent the academy with skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
The weekend produced outstanding results for the academy. Liz Pritchard captured the **Women's World Championship**, defeating Juliana Alex of the Minnesota Charter in a dominant finals performance. Michael Sprague battled his way to a **silver medal in the Masters Division**, falling in a thrilling championship match against Charlie Cummings of Minnesota. Headmaster Ryan McKenna earned **second place in the Unity Division**, while Dark Lord Chicco Smith claimed **third place in the Exotic Weapons Division**.
Virginia also celebrated another outstanding performance as Anthony Robertson of the Freedom Fighters fought his way to **second place in the Exotic Weapons Division**, narrowly missing the championship in a dramatic sudden-death final. Anthony also claimed bronze in the standard division.
Perhaps the most impressive achievement came in the tournament's premier Standard Division. **Five of the top sixteen fighters** were members of Saber Light Knights—an extraordinary accomplishment at the highest level of international competition. The performance showcased the academy's remarkable depth of talent and further cemented Saber Light Knights as one of the premier competitive programs in the world of LED saber combat.
The weekend also brought special recognition away from the competition floor. Headmaster Ryan McKenna was honored as **The Saber Legion's Charter Representative of the Year**, recognizing his dedication and continued service to both the Virginia Charter and the international saber community.
With medals, championship appearances, major individual honors, and deep runs across multiple divisions, Saber Light Knights once again demonstrated that its fighters can compete with—and defeat—the very best in the world.
Just as memorable as the competition itself was the atmosphere surrounding the event. TSL X was one of the finest tournaments our team has attended. The sense of community, camaraderie, and sportsmanship was evident throughout the weekend, and the tournament organizers deserve tremendous credit for delivering a world-class, exceptionally well-organized championship. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the event such an incredible experience and are already looking forward to next year.
