In the quiet town of Anantapur, where chess had yet to find a stronghold, a young boy named Samuel Stephen Noble, S. emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Born on October 8, 2012, Samuel's journey in chess began in the most unassuming manner. At the age of seven, while rummaging through the house, he discovered an old chessboard. Little did he or his family know that this moment would set the foundation for a remarkable career in the game of kings.
Samuel’s elder sister, Susan Amiable, was the first to recognize the spark of genius in him. On her way to school, she stumbled upon a local chess academy and, driven by an innate sense of encouragement, enrolled Samuel there. Under the initial tutelage of Mr. Manohar in Anantapur, Samuel learned the basics with relentless enthusiasm. However, when his coach relocated to Kakinada, the young boy was left without guidance. Yet, true talent never remains stagnant. Samuel took it upon himself to improve, devouring chess content through YouTube videos, analyzing games, and sharpening his skills with an insatiable hunger for knowledge.
His dedication did not go unnoticed. Veteran chess player Sri Mazid Khan, deeply impressed by Samuel’s ability to recall entire game notations, took him under his wing at the Super Kings Chess Academy. With the unwavering support of Mazid Khan’s son, Hussein Khan, and their family, Samuel developed into a formidable player. Despite Anantapur’s limited chess infrastructure, his family left no stone unturned in facilitating his growth. His father, Sundara Raju, working diligently in the Postal Department, and his mother, Dr. Rebecca, an esteemed English teacher, made personal sacrifices to ensure their son's ambitions were never curtailed. Their encouragement, combined with Samuel’s relentless spirit, led him to frequent Bangalore tournaments, where he swiftly made a name for himself.
A Trail of Triumphs
Samuel's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Some of his most memorable achievements include:
BRDCA Independence Cup Champion: Winning the Under-7 category in 2019 and subsequently dominating the Under-9, Under-10, Under-11, and Under-12 categories in successive years.
FIDE Recognition: Post-COVID-19, Samuel earned his FIDE rating in all three chess formats within a single year—a testament to his exceptional talent and determination.
State Championships: Emerging victorious in multiple Andhra Pradesh state selection tournaments, including the Under-11 and Under-12 categories.
V4 International Below 1600 Champion: With a rating of 1369, Samuel clinched the title, earning a grand trophy and a cash prize of ₹100,000, gaining media attention in the chess fraternity.
Consistent Success: Whether in open tournaments or age-category events, Samuel never left empty-handed, winning accolades, cash prizes, and trophies in every competition he participated in.
National Exposure: Participating in national championships across Jammu, Mandya, and Visakhapatnam, Samuel steadily climbed the rating ladder.
DreamHack Open Blitz Championship 2024: Achieved an incredible second-place finish, competing against International Masters (IMs) and FIDE Masters (FMs).
National School Chess Championship 2025: His crowning achievement thus far—winning the Under-13 category and securing the opportunity to represent India in the upcoming World and Asian School Chess Championships in Serbia and Mongolia.
The Path to Greatness
Currently rated 1900, Samuel has now entered an advanced phase of training under the esteemed guidance of Sri NVS Ramaraju gaaru. Experts firmly believe that within the next two years, this humble and hard-working young talent will attain the coveted title of International Master (IM), placing Andhra Pradesh firmly on the global chess map.
Despite his rapid rise, Samuel remains deeply grounded. Known for his humanity and gracious demeanor, he never lets his achievements overshadow his respect for his mentors, family, and peers. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, parental dedication, and self-belief. As he prepares for his international challenges, India watches with pride, anticipating the rise of its next chess icon—Samuel Stephen Noble.
story by KV/-