Ethan Vaz and Harshavardhan GB Become India’s 96th and 97th GMs
Why in the news
Two Indian players secured the Grandmaster title within about two days, taking India’s tally to 97 GMs by 30 June 2026.
Key facts
- Ethan Vaz (14, Goa): 96th GM. His final norm came at the Chess Summer Sarajevo GM Mix in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he scored an unbeaten 7/9 with a performance rating of 2643.
- Vaz earned his three norms in Bosnia (October 2025), Serbia (January 2026) and Bosnia (June 2026).
- Harshavardhan G.B. (22, Chennai): 97th GM. His final norm came at the 2nd Chola Chess GM Norm Round Robin in Chennai, with an unbeaten 6.5/9 and a 2620 performance rating.
- His earlier norms came at the Asian Junior Championship (2022) and the Asian Continental Championship (2025).
| Player | GM number | Final norm venue |
|---|---|---|
| Ethan Vaz | 96th | Chess Summer Sarajevo GM Mix, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Harshavardhan G.B. | 97th | 2nd Chola Chess GM Norm Round Robin, Chennai |
About the Grandmaster title
Grandmaster is the highest title awarded by FIDE, the world chess federation. Players need GM norms, which are strong performances in qualifying events, along with a required rating. Harshavardhan had also qualified for the 2025 FIDE World Cup held in Goa.
Exam angle
- Remember the numbers: Ethan Vaz is the 96th, Harshavardhan G.B. the 97th Indian GM.
- Home states: Goa and Tamil Nadu.
- Venue facts: Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Chennai.