Born months after the Fukushima nuclear disaster forced his parents to leave Japan, Ethan Vaz’s journey to becoming India’s 96th Grandmaster at just 14 has been defined by sacrifice and remarkable family support. From replacing cartoons with chess to navigating financial uncertainty, Ethan’s rise mirrors both extraordinary talent and a family’s all-in pursuit of a dream. Born months after the Fukushima nuclear disaster forced his parents to leave Japan, Ethan Vaz’s journey to becoming India’s 96th Grandmaster at just 14 has been defined by sacrifice and remarkable family support. From replacing cartoons with chess to navigating financial uncertainty, Ethan’s rise mirrors both extraordinary talent and a family’s all-in pursuit of a dream.
