FIDE Master Roy Mwadzura’s chess journey began quite uniquely in the corridors of Oriel Boys High.
After a jovial banter over his proficiency in draughts, he was drawn to the intricate dance of chess pieces on the board.
“In Form 2, just after exams at Oriel Boys High, we would usually be engrossed in board games. While I was known for my draughts skills, I saw some of my mates playing chess.
“They teased me, hinting I couldn’t play because it was essentially draughts,” Roy reminisces. “That’s when I decided to learn it.”
With guidance from schoolmate Brandon Chavhundura, who introduced him to the basics and even lent him a board for practice, Mwadzura’s fondness for the game grew exponentially.
“I was merely shown how the pieces moved, and that ignited a love so strong, pushing me to learn more and more,” he admits.
By 2015, just a year after taking up chess, Mwadzura exhibited his burgeoning talent by finishing 7th at the National Junior Championships (U-16) in Mutare. This achievement was even more significant given Oriel’s lack of chess accolades.
“After my 7th position in Mutare, my first junior national tournament, the school’s head praised me in a way that felt like I had achieved a lot. It was a push factor,” he noted.
His rise was meteoric, clinching 2nd place in 2016 in Matopos NASH and securing the first position in Marondera NASH by 2017.
As a way to prove his talent, after tying for first place at the 2016 Zimbabwe candidates tournament, he earned his place to play in the nationals from 2017 onwards. Despite his burgeoning accomplishments, his journey to representing Zimbabwe on the global stage was marked by patience. He became a national team member in the Covid-19 era of 2020/2021.
“Playing in the online Olympiads during the pandemic was surreal,” he remarks. By 2022, his dream was fully realised when he journeyed to India, representing Zimbabwe at the Chess Olympiad.
Yet, his path has been challenging.
“Balancing a full-time occupation and training is tricky. The brain gets tired,” he admits.
Mwadzura often resorted to online play, training when he could. His determination bore fruit when he finished joint 2nd in the recent Minerva International Open Chess Tournament.
“It’s a performance that screams there’s room for improvement. I aim for even better results,” he asserts confidently.
Unlike many, Mwadzura’s chess inspirations come from the unorthodox Romanian Grandmaster Richard Rapport.
“He plays with such a distinctive style, delving into unclear openings and gambits, yet triumphs. I’ve tried to emulate his approach,” he says with admiration.
While harbouring hopes of reaching a 2300 rating someday, Mwadzura remains grounded.
“Realistically, I don’t see myself challenging for the world title. Becoming a Grandmaster requires enormous sacrifices,” he acknowledges.
With work and other commitments pulling him away from consistent play, he views himself more as a “hobby player”, but his passion for the game remains undiminished.
FM Mwadzura’s focus now? Giving back.
“Since I can’t play as much, I can now push other young players, helping with expenses, sharing tips or chess material,” he told EnterSportNews.
Mwadzura occasionally visits his “mother club” in Mabvuku, where he plays and interacts with the community.
Despite lacking a strict training regimen, he offers sage advice to budding chess enthusiasts.
“A few days before a tournament, I simply download a puzzle app, solving problems on the go,” he shares.
“But the real message? Work hard, believe anything is possible, and no matter the challenges, always remember the Lord will pave the way.”
FM Roy Mwadzura has transformed from a curious observer to a national chess sensation in just a few years.
