Ireland’s First Woman Grandmaster (WGM) – Trisha Kanyamarala

Trisha Kanyamarala scripts history to become Ireland’s First Woman Grandmaster(WGM). Learn more about her journey in the following article by her.

by Trisha Kanyamarala – 6th December 2025

Most people assume chess masters are born geniuses who loved the game from day one. That wasn’t me. When I was a 9-year old kid, I actually found chess boring! I couldn’t sit still, and compared to the fast-paced game of draughts I played with my brother Tarun, chess felt slow and confusing. But life has a funny way of surprising you. Last week, that “boring” game led me to become the first woman in Irish history to achieve the title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM).

Achieving this title requires three distinct world-class performances (called “Norms”) and a rating of 2300. It took me five years, several international trips, and a lot of resilience to get here. Here is the story behind the title.

Before I share my road to WGM, I share my previous big achievement which is connected to my WGM.

The First Breakthrough: A Double Victory in Dublin

In 2020, I achieved the title of Woman International Master (WIM). I completed all my norm and rating requirements, and during that same period, something unexpected happened — I earned my first WGM norm as well at the age of 14.

I was playing an IM norm invitation-only tournament over New Year in Dublin. I had already secured my WIM norm earlier in the event, so I approached the remaining games with no pressure. I was simply enjoying my chess.

Going into the final day on 6 points, I needed just half a point from my last two rounds for the WGM norm and one point for an IM norm. I finished with 6.5/9, securing my first WGM norm and even finishing joint first in the tournament.

First round win felt like a bonus. And for the first time, the WGM title felt within reach.

Second WGM Norm (2024): A Long Wait

Between my first and second norm, life happened.

Covid hits and tournaments became rare. In 2023, I had my Leaving Cert, so chess couldn’t be my main focus. By the time I returned to serious tournaments, it had already been years since my first norm — and I had almost lost hope.

That’s when I played the Kragerø Open in Norway.

I entered with no expectations, just wanting to play good chess. In the very first round, I unexpectedly beat GM Vahap Şanal from Turkey. This gave me a burst of confidence. Going into the final round, I was in a must-win situation. I had the disadvantage of playing the Black pieces (moving second) in a must-win game. I won that game — and earned my second WGM norm.

I was delighted. The long gap between norms had made me doubt whether I would ever get the second one, but here it was. By then, I had already crossed 2300 in 2023, so the rating requirement was also fulfilled.

At this point, I was one norm away to become Women Grandmaster.

The Slump: Hitting Rock Bottom Before the Comeback.

After Kragerø, every tournament I played came with one thought: “Maybe this will be the one.”

But the more I chased the final norm, the further it seemed to slip away.

I wasn’t focusing on the right things. I wasn’t practicing effectively. I became too result-oriented. And psychologically, I struggled. My confidence dropped every time I failed to meet my own expectations.

Throughout 2024 and early 2025, I played tournament after tournament. I imagined I would get the norm by the end of 2024 — but it didn’t happen.

Instead, my rating fell. I felt burnt out — mentally, physically, emotionally. It was exhausting to keep fighting when nothing was going my way. I barely remembered the last time my rating even went up.

There were moments I genuinely wondered if all this suffering was necessary.
Moments I questioned if I should just quit.
Moments I thought maybe I wasn’t made for this game.

I hit rock bottom.

But somewhere deep inside, I still believed I was capable of much more.

I tried to detach from results and focus on improving: analysing my losses, correcting mistakes, and reminding myself why I love the game.

Third WGM Norm — London Chess Classic Open

And finally, the breakthrough came.

At the London Chess Classic Open, I scored 5/9 — securing my third and final WGM norm with a round to spare.

I can’t describe the relief I felt. After months of lows, disappointments, and emotional exhaustion, it finally happened. I had become a Woman Grandmaster.

This title wasn’t just about one good tournament — it was the accumulation of years of consistency, resilience, and learning to stay true to myself.

2024 may have been full of setbacks, but it also taught me some of the most important lessons of my life.

What This Journey Taught Me

It wasn’t easy. There were so many ups and downs. So many moments when giving up seemed like the easier option.

But one thing was always clear to me:

Losing a game hurts — but winning brings a joy I don’t find anywhere else.

Chess constantly tests your patience, discipline, and self-belief. This journey taught me to focus on the process, not the results. To work on the right things. To stay consistent. And to never lose faith in who I am and what I’m capable of.

A New Beginning

Becoming Ireland’s first Woman Grandmaster is a milestone — but it’s not the end.

If anything, it’s the start of something new.
New goals.
New challenges.
New things to learn.
New dreams to chase.

And I’m excited for everything that comes next.