Conclusion

To summarise, a player should ideally have:

• Genuine curiosity and passion for chess.
• Long-term financial support or sponsorship.
• Emotionally stable and supportive parents.
• The right coach or mentor.
• A supportive school that understands the demands of competitive chess.

If even one of these important pillars is missing, choosing chess as a professional career becomes significantly more difficult.

That does not mean success is impossible.
It simply means that both the player and the parents should understand the reality before making such an important decision.

If, after understanding all these realities, you still choose professional chess because of your passion and love for the game, then prepare yourself mentally.

Accept that the journey will be difficult.
Accept that there will be sacrifices.
Accept that there will be failures.
Accept that there will be uncertainty.
Accept that there are no guarantees.

Only after accepting these realities should you decide to pursue professional chess.

Professional chess is a beautiful career for those who genuinely love the game.

But it can become one of the most painful journeys for those who choose it without understanding what it truly demands.

One thing I have realised from my own journey is this:

If chess becomes your lifestyle, the sacrifices will feel meaningful. If chess remains only an ambition, sooner or later every sacrifice will begin to feel like a burden. That is the difference between those who survive the journey and those who eventually walk away from it.
Finally, I would like to leave you with one thought.

The chess world doesn't owe anyone an IM or GM title.

It doesn't care how much money you spent.
It doesn't care how many years you trained.
It doesn't care how badly you wanted it.
It doesn't care how talented you think you are.

The chessboard is completely fair.

Every time you sit in front of it, it asks only one question:

"Are you stronger (did well) than your opponent today?"

If the answer is yes, it rewards you.
If the answer is no, it teaches you.
It has no favourites.
It has no emotions.
It has no sympathy.
It simply reflects the truth.

Every single day, it rewards those who continue to learn, work hard, improve, and fight despite failure.

The board never lies.
It exposes your preparation.
It exposes your discipline.
It exposes your emotional control.
It exposes your weaknesses.

And if you are willing to accept those truths and work on them, it also rewards your growth.

So don't choose chess because you dream of becoming a Grandmaster.

Choose chess because you genuinely love the game and cannot imagine your life without it.

The IM or GM title is only the destination.

Your passion, discipline, sacrifice, patience, and love for chess are what will carry you through the journey.

Because in the end, titles are earned by those who fall in love with the process—not by those who fall in love with the title.