Jake Shanty becomes Kerala's 7th International Master

by Rasika Ratnaparkhi - 29/04/2026

14-year-old Jake Shanty from Kerala has become the state’s seventh International Master. He achieved all three of his IM norms within just three months. In his early years, he faced health challenges due to respiratory allergies, which limited his ability to travel and play classical events. Despite this, he continued to improve and made a strong comeback on the international stage. Read the full article to know more about his journey.

Kerala gets another International Master

Earning a title is a significant milestone in any chess player's career. Jake Shanty, a 14-year-old from Kerala, has become the seventh player from the state to earn the IM title. He secured the final IM norm at the Spring Festival in Budapest. Chess in Kerala has been growing steadily, and Jake’s achievement will inspire many young players from the region to take up the game seriously.

Kerala's 7th International Master - Jake Shanty! | Photo: Putnik 96 Tournament

Jake grew up in a modest household with both parents working in government service. He was introduced to the game by his father. He quickly picked up how pieces move as well as chess notation. Since his early years, he had an inclination towards mathematics. It translated well into the logical demands of chess. However, his start in competitive chess was far from smooth. In his first state-level events (Under-9 and Under-11), Jake scored just 1.5 and 2.5 points, respectively. He played these tournaments on consecutive days. Though the score was unpleasant, his competitive resilience was impressive.

Jake in action. | Photo: Putnik 96 Tournament

Jake began his training at King Indian Chess Academy in Pala. Later, he moved to Kottayam Chess Academy, where he improved his game further. There, he received training from Binoy Joseph and Rajesh Natakaam.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved transformative for Jake. With better internet access reaching his village and more time at home, he immersed himself in online training. He regularly followed instructional content from top players such as Varuzhan Akobian and Yasser Seirawan through the Saint Louis Chess Club. His sister Juwan played a crucial role in managing his online training and, later, his tournament logistics.

Jake Shanty scored 7.5/10 and became the youngest player to make a top ten finish at the 5th Bangalore Open in 2023. | Photo: FI NA Sushrutha Reddy

Jake faced some challenges early in his journey. He suffered from respiratory allergies, which made it difficult for him to travel and play long classical tournaments. Because of this, he focused more on rapid events and online practice. Despite these limitations, he still achieved good results. As he grew older, his health improved with the help of Dr. C. J. Thomas and he was allowed to travel more and compete in tournaments across India and abroad.

After becoming a FIDE Master in 2025, Jake shifted his focus to norm tournaments in Europe, competing in countries like Hungary, Serbia and Bosnia. He received support from international organizers and got access to strong round-robin events. What followed was remarkable... Jake secured all three IM norms within just three months!

The moment it all paid off! | Photo: Spring Festival

First IM norm: Putnik 96 Tournament, Novi Sad

Jake scored 8/9 at the Putnik 96 tournament and finished first. He delivered a stellar performance rating of 2609, far above his actual rating of 2252, gaining a massive 72 rating points in the process. He remained undefeated throughout the event and scored important wins against stronger opponents such as GM Vladimir Raicevic, IM Adarsh Tripathi and Aarav Sinha. No doubt this was a crucial point in his journey!

Jake's breakthrough performance! | Source: Chess results

Second IM norm: Six Days IM Round Robin, Budapest

Jake secured his second IM norm at the Six Days IM Round Robin in Budapest. Starting as the second seed, he scored an impressive 7/9 and finished second in the tournament. With a performance rating of 2452, he gained nearly 29 rating points.

Jake's performance at the Six Days IM Round Robin in Budapest. | Photo: Chess results

Third IM norm: Spring Festival, Budapest

Jake Shanty sealed his International Master title at the Spring Festival in Budapest, where he achieved his third and final IM norm. Starting as the 54th seed, he delivered a strong performance against a tough field, scoring 6/9 and gaining over 50 rating points. With a performance rating of 2553, he held his own against strong players like IM Bai Adelard, GM Abdisalimov Abdimalik and IM Mosesov Danyil.