Ethan Vaz: India’s 96th Grandmaster and a Journey from Crisis to Chess Triumph
India Celebrates Its 96th Grandmaster: Meet Ethan Vaz
NEW DELHI: In a remarkable journey that began amidst the chaos of a natural disaster, 14-year-old Ethan Vaz has etched his name in the annals of Indian chess history by becoming the country’s 96th Grandmaster. His achievement, secured at the “Chess Summer in Sarajevo – GM Mix” tournament, marks a significant milestone not just for Ethan, but for the entire nation.
Ethan’s story is one of resilience and determination, rooted in a life-altering event. On March 11, 2011, a devastating 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck Japan, leading to the catastrophic meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. At that time, Ethan’s mother, Linda Fernandes, was pregnant with him, living in Tokyo. Concerned for their health, his father, Edwin Vaz, made the difficult decision to relocate the family to Goa, India.
Ethan was born later that year, on September 3, 2011, and little did his parents know that their decision would pave the way for a future chess prodigy.
A Long-Awaited Realization
Just a day after achieving his Grandmaster title, Edwin spoke to Times of India from Sarajevo, still in disbelief over his son’s accomplishment. “It has actually not sunk in,” he admitted, overwhelmed by the flood of congratulatory messages. “We’ve been frantically trying to answer calls and reply to messages.”
The path to becoming a Grandmaster is notoriously challenging, especially after crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark. Edwin explained, “People try for a Grandmaster title for decades sometimes and still cannot make it. There is never a set path or timeline.”
Ethan, however, approached the milestone with the calm demeanor of a seasoned player. 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.” With aspirations of becoming a World Champion, Ethan’s focus remains unwavering.
From Cartoons to Chess
Ethan’s journey into chess 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. Enrolling them in a local chess academy, they had no inkling of the extraordinary path that lay ahead.
Just three months into training, Ethan participated in an under-7 tournament, finishing fifth and narrowly missing a spot in the national championship. Encouraged by his coach, the family decided to invest in Ethan’s burgeoning talent, leading to a series of impressive performances that revealed his potential.
The Cost of a Dream
As Ethan’s chess career flourished, so did the financial demands on his family. Edwin and Linda, who had started a self-funded IT services company, found themselves balancing their professional ambitions with the costs of global travel for tournaments. “Chess is mostly like all expense and no income,” Edwin noted, reflecting on the sacrifices made for Ethan’s dream.
Fortunately, recent support from Indian donors and sponsors has alleviated some of the financial burden, allowing the family to focus on Ethan’s development without the constant worry of finances.
A Bright Future Ahead
Ethan’s success is not just a personal victory; it highlights the importance of grassroots support in Indian chess. Edwin credits the Goa Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation for providing the initial competitive platform that has been crucial for Ethan’s growth.
As Ethan continues to navigate the challenging landscape of professional chess, one thing is clear: his passion for the game is unwavering. “I think we will still follow this career path because that is where his passion lies,” Edwin concluded, filled with pride for his son’s journey.
With dreams of becoming a World Champion, Ethan Vaz is not just a name on a list of Grandmasters; he represents the hopes and aspirations of a new generation of chess players in India.