Displaying exceptional skill and maturity beyond his years, 13-year-old International Master (IM) Ethan Vaz from Goa achieved a remarkable feat by securing a shared 3rd place finish in the Category A event of the Late Shri Manohar Parrikar 3rd Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025.
Geno brand ambassador Ethan Vaz, a Class 8 student of The King’s School (TKS), has brought glory to Goa once again with a stellar performance, remaining unbeaten throughout in such a competitive international grandmaster tournament. Competing against some of the world’s finest chess players, the youngest International Master of India showcased strategic brilliance and determination, reaffirming his status as one of India’s most promising young talents.
Heading into the 10th round with 7 points, the young prodigy stood joint-2nd along with two others, and was poised as a strong contender for a podium finish. Paired against the tournament leader, IM Alexander Slizhevsky of Russia, who had 7.5 points, Ethan needed a win with the black pieces in the final round to have a shot at the championship, but the duo settled for a draw on the 2nd board.
While Alexander looked poised to clinch the title with 8 points, a dramatic finale on the top board saw IM Ayush Sharma deliver a stunning victory to finish with 8.5 points and claim the crown. Ethan, along with seven others, shared the 3rd position with 7.5 points each. However, due to a marginally lower Buchholz tie-break score — an indirect measure based on the cumulative scores of a player’s opponents — Ethan secured the 7th prize.
With an unbeaten record of 5 wins and 5 draws, Ethan demonstrated his mastery by finishing ahead of 85 titled players, including 15 Grandmasters and 39 International Masters. Ethan’s performance in this tournament underscores his growing reputation as a rising star in the chess world.
The tournament, organized by the Goa Chess Association under the auspices of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and FIDE, brought together 192 players from 19 countries, including 92 titled players. Held at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Goa, from January 11th to 19th, the event featured captivating games and fierce competition, as players battled for international recognition and a prize fund of 25 lakh rupees.
Ethan’s performance stands as a testament to his dedication, skill, and potential, cementing his position as a beacon of inspiration for young chess enthusiasts worldwide.