2026 Tournament of Champion

VDA debaters Finn Ye & Apollin Lu are celebrating an historic achievement after last weekend’s 54th annual Tournament of Champions, widely regarded as one of the most elite high school debate tournaments in the world. After an incredible preliminary run ranking them as the tournament’s 11th seed, Finn and Apollin stormed to semifinals in the Silver Division of Public Forum Debate, finishing in the top four of 116 of the world’s best teams. Finn also earned recognition as the tournament’s 16th speaker, a staggering individual accomplishment.

The TOC is strictly invitation-only, drawing only the top teams from across the United States and internationally, and to even qualify is a mark of excellence; to advance to the final rounds is extraordinary. “Finn and Apollin overcame so many odds over the TOC competitive weekend,” said coach Stormee. “They read an argument that was authentic and personal, and they were able to communicate this argument to a variety of judges, experienced and inexperienced alike. I could not be more proud, not just of their accomplishments as debaters, but as human beings spreading a message as well.” 

That message resonated in the way Finn and Apollin carried themselves through pressure-packed elim rounds. For VDA, this semifinals run at the TOC is proof that excellence and empathy can rise together. Congratulations to Finn, Apollin, and the entire Vancouver Debate Academy team on a truly remarkable national championship performance.

Let’s go VDA!!!