Panaji, Goa: Fourteen-year-old Ethan Vaz has scripted history by becoming India’s 96th Chess Grandmaster, achieving the prestigious title after securing his third and final Grandmaster norm at the Sarajevo GM Mix Tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The remarkable achievement makes Ethan the third Grandmaster from Goa, following Anurag Mhamal and Leon Mendonca, further cementing the state’s growing reputation as a hub for chess talent.
Born on September 3, 2011, Ethan Vaz earned his final Grandmaster norm by winning the Sarajevo GM Mix Tournament, finishing ahead of ten Grandmasters in a highly competitive field.
With this accomplishment, he officially joins the elite group of Indian Grandmasters and becomes one of the country’s youngest players to achieve the coveted title.
Ethan’s road to becoming a Grandmaster has been marked by outstanding performances across international tournaments.
First Grandmaster Norm
His first GM norm came at the GM4 Festival Saha Bijeljina in Bosnia and Herzegovina in October 2025, where he also emerged as the tournament champion.
Second Grandmaster Norm
He secured his second norm at the GM Mix 11 Fantastico Tournament in Serbia in January 2026, clinching both the tournament title and the required Grandmaster norm with a final-round victory.
Third Grandmaster Norm
The final milestone came at the Sarajevo GM Mix Tournament, completing all the requirements needed to earn the Grandmaster title.
Ethan has enjoyed an exceptional year with several major achievements:
- 🥇 Won three medals at the Commonwealth Chess Championship.
- ♟️ Secured two gold medals in the Rapid and Blitz categories.
- 🏆 Finished unbeaten at the 4th Gujarat International Open, placing ahead of 18 of the 19 Grandmasters competing.
- 🥈 Won silver at the National Under-17 Chess Championship.
- 🌍 Qualified for both the 2026 World Youth Chess Championship and the Asian Youth Chess Championship.
These consistent performances have established him as one of India’s brightest young chess talents.
Ethan currently holds a live FIDE rating of 2522, reflecting his impressive rise through international chess rankings.
His steady improvement against experienced Grandmasters demonstrates exceptional maturity, preparation, and competitive strength.
With Ethan’s achievement, Goa now has three Chess Grandmasters, highlighting the state’s growing contribution to Indian chess.
His success is expected to inspire aspiring players across Goa and the country while reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s leading chess nations.
India has emerged as a global powerhouse in chess, producing a new generation of elite players competing successfully on the international stage.
Ethan Vaz’s Grandmaster title:
- Strengthens India’s growing chess legacy.
- Inspires young players nationwide.
- Highlights the importance of youth development in sports.
- Brings recognition to Goa’s chess ecosystem.
- Reinforces India’s dominance in international chess.
