“GM Volodar Murzin: From Childhood Trauma to World Rapid Chess Champion”

The newly crowned World Rapid Chess Champion, GM Volodar Murzin, has not only made headlines for his impressive victory but also for sharing a harrowing story of escaping the violent grip of his abusive father.

At just 18 years old, Murzin made history by becoming the second-youngest rapid world champion in history at the 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. His undefeated score secured him a $90,000 cash prize for the title in rapid and an additional $20,000 for reaching the quarterfinal in the blitz.

However, behind this remarkable achievement lies a shocking and emotional story. In an interview with the Russian sports website Championat, Murzin revealed the traumatic experiences he and his family endured at the hands of his abusive father.

From a young age, Murzin and his four sisters suffered constant physical abuse from their father. His mother, Ekaterina, made the brave decision to flee their hometown of Nizhny Tagil, traveling 1,100 miles to escape the violence. They settled in Moscow, where Murzin’s talent for chess was recognized, providing them with a new opportunity for a better life.

Despite their escape, Murzin’s father continued to exert control over his life, even imposing a travel ban when Murzin was striving to achieve his final grandmaster norm. Eventually, they had to seek legal intervention to lift the ban, allowing Murzin to achieve his GM title in 2022.

The abuse extended beyond physical violence, with Murzin’s father imposing bizarre and harmful rituals, such as washing their hair with raw eggs and forcing them to play chess until the early hours of the morning. These traumatic experiences have left lasting scars on Murzin and his family.

Today, Murzin and his family live in a modest apartment outside Moscow, having cut all ties with his father. Despite the challenges he has faced, Murzin remains a rising star in the world of chess, representing hope for Russia’s future in the sport.

His refusal to sign a long contract with the Russian Chess Federation and his decision to play under the neutral FIDE flag reflect his independence and determination to forge his own path in the chess world.

Murzin’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. His journey from a childhood marked by abuse to becoming a world champion is a testament to his courage and determination to succeed against all odds.