Image Source – Etsy | CapeWoodCarvings

The game of Chess has existed for at least 1500 years, even though no one can pinpoint its exact origin. With its depth and intricacies, Chess pits individual minds against one another in a test of strategy, decision-making, and critical thinking. This is why the competitive scene works best in a 1vs1 format.

In such a game as Chess, ranks indicate the level of a person’s skill and mental prowess. Attaining the rank of Grandmaster (GM) in Chess is the highest level any player can achieve in the game. While a lot of people play daily and try to master it, only a small percentage have managed to clinch the title of GM.

Just as one would expect in any scene of values excellence, there are notable players of African descent who became Grandmasters in the game of Chess and others with notable achievements too. This is a look into their stories.

Maurice Ashley

Picture source – CUNY

The first African-American to become a GM in Chess, Maurice Ashley’s life has been filled with numerous feats and achievements. He was inducted into the United States Chess Hall Of Fame on the 13th of April, 2016.

Maurice Ashely was born in Jamaica, where he also had his early education at Wolmer’s Boys School before moving to The United States at the age of 12. Finishing from Brooklyn Technical High School, he went on to study and graduate from City College Of New York with a B.A. in creative writing.

According to the GM, his first encounter with Chess was watching his brother play with friends when they were kids in Jamaica. Maurice picked up the game and found a passion for it, going on to participate in competitions and representing his college multiple times.

“African GMs do exist; but, according to the system of racial classification, I am the first Black GM in history… it matters, and doesn’t matter, all at the same time.” – Maurice Ashley.

Although he won the United States Game/10 Chess championship (he shared the title with Maxim Dlugy) back in 1992, he did not become a Grandmaster until 1999. Maurice Ashley defeated Adrian Negulescu on March 14, 1999, to complete the requirements for him to become GM.

Here are several other achievements of his:

• Founded the Harlem Chess Center in September 1999.
• Named 2003 Grandmaster of the Year along with GM Susan Polgar by the U.S. Chess Federation.
• Sparked the much-needed discussion about ways to avoid quick agreement of draws in Chess tournaments. He did this by writing an essay called The End of the Draw Offer. Back in 2003.
• Organized the Millionaire Chess Open, a Chess tournament with the highest prize fund ever for an open tournament as of 2014. The tournament had a prize fund of $1,000,000 and ran for three editions.
• Inducted into the US Chess Hall Of Fame on April 13, 2016.

Amon Simutowe

Picture source – Chess.com

Despite losing his mother at barely two years of age, Amon Simutowe grew up to stamp his name in the history books by becoming the first Grandmaster from sub-Saharan Africa.

Born in Zambia on the 6th of January, 1982, Amon Simutowe played football growing up. However, he discovered Chess in his childhood, thanks to his brother who introduced him to the game and played with him daily. It was not long before Amon realized that he loved the game of Chess more than football and dropped the latter.

“I didn’t have anyone to blame in Chess for my losses and I didn’t have to wait until I was 18 to compete nationally.” – Amon Simutowe.

Amon went on to win several tournaments and trophies for Zambia before moving to the United States to further his education at The University of Dallas. Before his higher education, he already had two GM norms due to his performances at the 2000 Olympiad and 2000 African Championships.

After graduating, Amon turned his focus to securing a third norm to complete the requirement to become a Grandmaster in Chess. He earned it at the 2007 Euwe Stimulus tournament in the Netherlands and secured the International Grandmaster title.

Here are his other achievements:

• Won Zambia’s under-21 championship and took fifth place at the African Junior Championship at the age of 13.
• At the young age of 14, he won the Zambian Chess Championship and clinched the Zambian Junior National Championship.
• Scored a tie for second place at the 2000 World Junior Chess Championships in Armenia.
• Named Zambia’s “Sportsman of the Year” in 2001.

Pontus Carlsson

Picture source – Chess.com

Adopted by a Swedish couple as a baby and taught Chess at the age of 4 by Ingvar Carlsson, his stepfather, and the former chairman of the Swedish Chess Federation, one can say Pontus Carlsson was born to play the game of Chess.

Pontus Carlsson played Chess growing up and has already represented Sweden multiple times in international tournaments since he was in school. He is currently a part of the senior national team, taking part in various competitions for his country and club.

Despite his proficiency in the game, Pontus has displayed a talent for rapid Chess, which is a mode where players have less time to think and play, unlike the standard game mode. He made history by being the only player to ever win the Swedish Tusenmannaschacket Rapid tournament three times.

Pontus once stated that he aimed at hitting the 2600 rating mark. His highest FIDE rating mark is currently 2531.

Here are his other achievements:

• Became an International Master and Grandmaster in the space of three years.
• Got the Grandmaster title by earning 4 GM norms.
• He was a member of the Swede national team at the 37th Chess Olympiad in Turin back in 2006.

Other Notable Mentions

Although these people have yet to attain the title of Grandmaster in Chess, they have achieved rare feats and put their names in the history books.

Tunde Onakoya

Image Source: Instagram | Tunde Onakoya

Better known as the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya is using chess to empower less privileged children who are in the slums. His foundation cares for them, teaches them the game, educates them, and also exposes them to career opportunities in the world.

Growing up in a slum in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Tunde first encountered Chess in a barber’s shop. His journey in the world of Chess keeps inspiring many, encouraging them to explore their talents and dare to dream.

Tunde Onakoya once held the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game in 2024, setting a new record by playing for over 60 hours.

Sabrina Chevannes

Picture source – FIDE

Currently holding the title of Woman International Master in Chess, Sabrina Chevannes is a formidable player. Most people heard of her after she defeated a Grandmaster in 2015.

Sabrina Chevannes went up against Grandmaster Alexander Shabalov and won, gaining respect and recognition from many.

Jessica Hyatt

Picture source – The Chess Drum

Jessica Hyatt holds the title of National Master and has achieved several impressive feats. It is said that she is currently the highest-rated African-American female Chess player in history.

She defeated two GMs, making her talent stand out and drawing attention from the community. Jessica faced Grandmaster Michael Rohde in 2021 and Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra in 2022. She did these around the age of 17.

Tris Ann Richards

Picture source – FIDE

It takes a lot to lead in the world of Chess and Tris Ann Richards set the pace for younger generations to dream, believe, and achieve. She did this by becoming the President of the St Lucia Chess Federation among several other feats.

A look at the history of Black people in Chess shows how fast folks are making waves and shaping narratives. It also shows that there are several others with amazing achievements and potential in the game and I am sure the world is eager to meet them!