In the history of American tournament play the smallest state has never had any big success.

Vargas was the last, earning his spot at the second American tournament.

Three decades ago, the board-a-match team format was normal in American tournaments.

In a major American tournament most players are glued to the tables for eight hours each day.

Payano became the second to qualify for the nation, doing so at the first American qualifying tournament.

As such they must play in at least 15 American tournaments each year.

American tournaments are more welcoming to foreign players than they once were.

He also became the first person to score a golden goal on a South American tournament.

Nearly 40 years ago the scheduling of American tournaments changed drastically.