From Crisis to Triumph: Ethan Vaz Becomes India’s 96th Grandmaster at Just 14 Years Old

Ethan Vaz: From Fukushima to Grandmaster Glory

NEW DELHI: On March 11, 2011, a catastrophic magnitude 9.1 earthquake struck Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. In the midst of this crisis, Linda Fernandes was pregnant with her son, Ethan Vaz, in Tokyo. The disaster forced the family to make life-altering decisions, ultimately leading them to Goa, India.

Edwin Vaz, Ethan’s father, recounted the harrowing experience during an exclusive interview with Times of India from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Because she was pregnant, we felt there was a health risk. So I brought them to Goa. I returned to Japan to reassess the situation for a few months before finally deciding to come back,” he shared.

Ethan was born later that year, on September 3, 2011. Fast forward to Saturday, and the now 14-year-old made headlines by securing his third and final Grandmaster (GM) norm at the “Chess Summer in Sarajevo – GM Mix” tournament, becoming India’s 96th Grandmaster.

A Long-Awaited Realization

Just a day after his monumental achievement, Edwin reflected on the whirlwind of emotions. “It has actually not sunk in because from the moment he achieved the norm, we have been frantically trying to answer calls, reply to messages,” he said. The family had anticipated that reaching the Grandmaster title would require immense patience and perseverance.

Ethan’s journey to this milestone was anything but straightforward. Once a player crosses the 2500 Elo mark, obtaining Grandmaster norms becomes increasingly challenging. “We have been bracing for the long haul,” Edwin explained. “People try for a Grandmaster title for decades sometimes and still cannot make it.”

Despite the pressure, Ethan maintained his characteristic calm. When asked about his achievement, he simply stated, “It has been my goal since the time I started playing chess, and I am glad to have achieved the Grandmaster title.” He added, “I will continue to work on my game and try to achieve my dream of becoming the World Champion.”

When Chess Replaced Cartoons

Ethan’s chess journey began at the tender age of six and a half, when his parents sought to divert him and his older brother Edrick from excessive screen time. “We thought maybe it’s better to give them some intellectual activity to do instead of being in front of the TV,” Edwin recalled.

They enrolled the boys in a local chess academy, where Ethan’s talent quickly became evident. After just three months of training, he participated in an under-7 tournament, finishing fifth. This initial success prompted the family to invest more seriously in his chess career, leading to a series of impressive performances and ultimately, his Grandmaster title.

The Cost of a Dream

However, the pursuit of chess excellence came with its own set of challenges. Edwin and Linda had established a self-funded IT services company upon returning to Goa, but as Ethan’s chess career accelerated, they found themselves balancing professional ambitions with the demands of global travel for tournaments.

“Chess is mostly like all expense and no income,” Edwin admitted, highlighting the financial strain of supporting Ethan’s aspirations. Fortunately, recent support from Indian donors and sponsors has alleviated some of this burden, allowing the family to focus on Ethan’s development.

Beyond the System

Edwin credits the Goa Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for providing the initial competitive platform for Ethan. “The chess infrastructure is there because AICF is there, and then state associations are there,” he noted. However, he emphasized that the journey to becoming a professional chess player is largely a personal struggle.

As Ethan continues to navigate the path to becoming one of the world’s elite grandmasters, Edwin remains optimistic. “I think we will still follow this career path because that is where his passion lies.”

Ethan Vaz’s story is not just about chess; it’s a testament to resilience, family support, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. As he embarks on this new chapter, the world watches with anticipation for what lies ahead.