Atharv Gabada

Atharv is a rising junior at Emerald High School and the Debate Captain of the Emerald Speech and Debate Club. In his sophomore year, he double octofinaled the Gold Tournament of Champions, finaled States, qualified to NSDA Nationals, and obtained 4 bids. He is currently ranked 75th in the country and has consistently excelled at difficult tournaments, with deep elimination rounds at Nano Nagle (quarterfinals), Berkeley, and Emory (doubles). Atharv has debated almost every style but thrives most in lay, flay, and tech-substance debates. Beyond competing, he shares his knowledge and experience as debate captain, helping debaters at all levels, from beginners to advanced varsity. Outside of debate, he’s passionate about poetry, hoping to use his writing to shift the conversation around mental health.