From Displacement to Success: Mariángel Vargas’ Journey to Becoming a Top Chess Player in the U.S.

Title: Colombian Girl Finds Success in Chess After Fleeing Turmoil in Homeland

Mariángel Vargas, a 12-year-old girl from Colombia, has found her place in the United States through the game of chess. Forced to migrate with her family in 2022, Mariángel’s journey from a normal life in Colombia to becoming one of the top 100 young female chess players in the U.S. is nothing short of remarkable.

After arriving in New York, Mariángel was introduced to chess through a program at her school, and her natural talent for the game quickly became apparent. Within a year, she had competed in 65 tournaments, ranking seventh in her division in New York State and cracking the 1,200 ranking set by the United States Chess Federation.

Despite the upheaval and challenges her family faced in leaving Colombia, Mariángel’s dedication to chess has remained unwavering. She trains for one to two hours a day and is always eager to learn more about the game, even watching chess games on YouTube while eating.

The Vargas family’s escape from Colombia was marked by danger and uncertainty, with armed groups threatening their lives and forcing them to flee the country on foot. After a harrowing journey, they found themselves in a Texas detention center before eventually being released and settling in an immigrant refuge in New York.

Through organizations like Impact Coaching Network and The Gift of Chess, Mariángel has been able to pursue her passion for chess and continue to excel in the game. Her dream is to become an international master or a chess teacher, a goal that seems well within reach given her talent and determination.

Mariángel’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of finding a passion in the midst of adversity. As she continues to climb the ranks in the world of chess, her journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.