New Delhi: A proverb becomes a proverb because it stands the test of time. ‘Patience is key’ is one such saying. In today’s world, where many are busy trying to figure things out without losing hope, never giving up, persevering in their pursuits, and staying true to their goals, people like 26-year-old Arvind Chithambaram are a reminder of why such sayings ring true.After months of failed qualification attempts at Titled Tuesdays, Chess.com Play-ins and Elite Online events, the Grandmaster (GM) from Madurai, Tamil Nadu finally won at DreamHack Atlanta earlier this week, becoming the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup, scheduled to be held in Paris from August 15 to 15. “I have been trying for months to qualify through other tournaments,” smiled Arvind Chithambaram, speaking exclusively to TimesofIndia.com.
ticket to Sports World Cup 2026
Representing one of India’s premier esports organizations, S8UL, for the second consecutive year, Arvind will now compete against one of four other players who topped the Last Chance Qualifier for two spots in the group stage of the Main Event.“I am really happy that I qualified for the Esports World Cup,” Arvind added. “Winning the tournament, it’s a real feeling. There were a lot of strong players in this event.”
Arvind Chithambaram (second from left)
Now that a spot in the main event of the Esports World Cup has been secured, the 1999-born minor was quick to point out that he has his sights set on securing a spot in the group stage.“I’m not fully qualified for the group stage. I need to play like one more play-in to get into the group stage, so I’m looking forward to that as well. I see it now that I’ve taken a step. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, I understand, but I’m glad I took my first step,” he explained.
A grandfather’s lesson
Arvind’s journey in 64 Chowks began in the most ordinary yet life-changing circumstances. When he was just three years old, tragedy struck at home in Thrungarh, Madurai. Her father dies, leaving behind a young mother and a young child, with a future clouded in great uncertainty.Growing up, Arvind was like any other spirited Indian boy, obsessed with running outside to play cricket with the neighbours.
The Road to the Esports Chess World Cup (Image via Chess.com)
“I started chess at the age of eight,” Arvind recalled. “I asked my grandfather to come with me to a game of cricket, and he said to me, ‘No, at this age, I mean I can’t even walk. Maybe I should teach you a game of chess.’ And that’s how I got into chess.”What started out as an elderly grandfather’s clever trick to keep a hyperactive child indoors soon turned into something remarkable.
‘My family has been a huge support’
Arvind spent hours absorbing the board, strategy and every little detail behind every trick.This was something new for his family, especially for his mother, Dewanai, who was working tirelessly as an LIC agent and was the sole breadwinner of the family. However, as Arvind began to master the art of chess, his mother’s confidence grew, eventually allowing her son to pursue chess professionally.“I’m still…I can’t believe my mother took such a bold decision by allowing me to pursue it,” Arvind admitted. “It wasn’t easy at all. Most parents would have their children go into academics and the like. But I don’t know what made him do it. He thought maybe I had the talent, so he believed in me.”
After I lost my father, I lived with my grandparents and my mother. So I didn’t miss my father. They were with me.
GM Arvind Chithambaram
The financial burden of raising a child alone while funding an expensive competitive sport like chess is a mountain many families fail to climb.Even so, the environment around Aravind was intentionally cushioned by a tight, protective family unit so that the young boy never realized what was missing.“My family has been a huge support. After I lost my dad, I lived with my grandparents and my mom. So I didn’t miss my dad, he was with me. Also, I would like to add that my cousins, they’ve been a huge support, I would say. Because my mom raised most of them, we’re all very close. They’ve all told me in interviews that they support me a lot, which has given me a lot of support. “Told the family to do it.” Especially my mother,” the Grandmaster smiled again.
Patrons and sacrifices behind Arvind’s rise
With his mother managing his life and his extended family protecting his peace, Arvind began to rise rapidly through the ranks. He dominated the local circuits and soon gained a foothold through early teachers in Madurai.“I slowly started playing in district tournaments and got a coach there, learned the basics well, and slowly started winning state-level competitions, went to national competitions, my first coach was Prasad; he is from Madurai. Also, Gaus Kumadin, also from Madurai. He molded me well, I learned a lot from him and started winning national events.By 2011, a twelve-year-old Arvind caught the attention of Grandmaster RB Ramesh. Joining Ramesh’s chess academy in Chennai was a turning point that transformed a raw prodigy into a polished competitor ready for the international stage.
Arvind Chithambaram with RB Ramesh (Special Arrangements)
Ramesh became much more than just a trainer. “Ramesh sir has supported me ever since,” explains Arvind. “I think he was the one who got me a lot of sponsors to participate in overseas events, people from all over the world, everyone supported me to play in overseas events. Then I got a scholarship with ONGC. So he helped me throughout my journey.”Under Ramesh’s careful guidance, Aravind, who achieved his first GM standard before his first IM routine, earned his Grandmaster title in 2015 at the age of 15, went on to become the Indian National Champion twice in 2018 and 2019, and crossed the elite rank of 2700.“Initially, we worked on many chess positions,” Arvind said. “Now, he makes sure I’m right for every tournament. We are mostly not working on the chess part; He makes sure I have a good mindset, and I’m doing the right things.Also read: How Argentina’s Faustino Oro Became the ‘Messi of Chess’ at the Age of 12That guidance for a balanced life is evident in Arvind’s lifestyle choices today. In an era where modern athletes are constantly pressured to create “personal brands” via algorithms and court sponsors, Arvind famously maintains a ghostly digital presence.“I was on social media, but now I realize it’s all a waste of time,” he laughs. “I feel a lot better without social media. I’m definitely on WhatsApp, and sometimes I watch YouTube, but life… I find it more peaceful.”Looking at his winding path from an orphaned childhood to becoming a rising name in the Indian chess ecosystem, Arvind today unwittingly epitomizes ‘patience is the key’. And no one is surprised.
