In less than a year, a 13-year-old boy from KuGompo City has gone from a complete beginner to one of the Eastern Cape’s brightest young chess talents, qualifying for national and international competitions.
But behind the success story lies a harsh reality: talent alone is not enough.
Chezhaan Ethan Adams, a grade 8 pupil at Hudson Park High, has qualified for the prestigious SA Junior Closed Chess Championships (SAJCCC) 2026, along with major international tournaments — an achievement that has come in less than a year since he first picked up the game.
“It feels both surprising and exciting,” Adams said.
“I didn’t expect to come this far in such a short space of time, but it shows that my hard work has paid off.”
Remarkably, his chess journey only began in May 2025.
What started as a search for an extracurricular activity quickly turned into a passion and then into something far more serious.
“I felt a bit bored and wanted to get involved in something.
“After my first tournament, I realised I really enjoyed chess, and from there it just grew.”
That first tournament — the Eastern Cape Open — may not have delivered standout results on paper, but it revealed something far more important.
“For me, it was the excitement in his eyes,” said his mother, Joni Adams.
“That passion after every game made me realise this was something special.”
Since then, Adams’ rise has been nothing short of remarkable.
Qualifying for SAJCCC and international competitions came as both a surprise and a turning point.
After initially missing out on selection, the young player was left devastated. “He was heartbroken and even withdrew from chess for a while,” Joni said.
“So when we later received confirmation, it was emotional. It brought his motivation back to life.”
Now, with the opportunity to compete in events such as the African Youth and Commonwealth Championships, Adams has his sights firmly set on the global stage. “Representing my country means a lot,” he said.
“I want to do my best and show that players from the Eastern Cape can compete at a high level.”
Despite his rapid progress, the ride has not been without challenges.
International competitions come with significant financial demands, from travel and accommodation to tournament fees and official attire.
“It’s a big commitment for the family,” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices made behind the scenes.
His mother agrees: “We’ve had to cover tournament costs, travel, and even different uniforms as he progresses through levels.
“But we want him to feel proud of what he has achieved.”
Behind the scenes, the young star continues to sharpen his game through regular coaching sessions and tournaments. Yet, his approach remains refreshingly grounded.
“He has a strong mind of his own,” Joni said.
“Sometimes his preparation is playing soccer with his brother or relaxing with family and we’ve learnt to respect what works for him.”
As he prepares to test himself against some of the best young players on the continent and beyond, Adams remains focused on growth.
“My biggest challenge will be managing my nerves. But I see it as a chance to learn and improve.
“It’s also important for young people to see that chess is not just a game — you can achieve something with it.
“With hard work and consistency, you can become the best version of yourself,” he said.
For his mother, the lesson is just as powerful: “Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity, one ‘yes’, to change everything.”
To support Adams, please contact Joni on 083-226-1627.
