In 2026, the age of top-tier chess players will continue to decline rapidly, and Kushal Jakhria, a young prodigy, will be leading the pack in England. Kushal’s life, from being a five-year-old beginner to becoming a world-class Candidate Master, serves as a roadmap for every young aspiring chess player.
A Chess Prodigy from the Start
Kushal Jakhria first made global headlines in late 2020. At the tender age of five, he became the youngest ever winner of the London Under-8 Championship. He had only started playing seriously during the pandemic lockdowns, yet he showed an impressive grasp of chess strategies.
At seven years of age, Kushal did something remarkable. He achieved a national rating of 2000, beating the previous record held by the world’s youngest Grandmaster, Abhimanyu Mishra. Kushal became the best seven-year-old in the world.
Career Highlights and Records
Kushal Jakhria’s illustrious career has been marked by a string of historic “firsts.” His trophy case boasts an impressive collection of medals and accolades from some of the most prestigious youth tournaments around the world.
- World Ranking: Ranked number one in the world for the Under-7 category in 2022.
- National Record: The youngest English player to break the 2000 ECF national rating barrier.
- European Success: Won two Gold medals and a Bronze medal in the World Cadet and European Schools Championships.
- Adult Competition: At the age of six, Kushal won a share of the top £500 prize money in the Blackpool Intermediate tournament, competing against adults.
- Master Title: Currently holds the official title of Candidate Master.
Kushal Jakhria Current Ratings (2026)
Kushal Jakhria’s rating has been steadily climbing as his talent and confidence allow him to take on more mature and experienced opponents. His performance in 2026 demonstrates his comfort in both slow classical and fast-paced blitz chess.
| Rating Type | Rating (Feb 2026) | Peak Achievement |
| Classical FIDE | 2064 | Gained 199 points in one season |
| Blitz FIDE | 2081 | Feared “online assassin” status |
| Rapid FIDE | 1948 | Top-ranked junior in world team events |
A Memorable Achievement
One of Kushal’s most legendary achievements came when he took part in the Leyland Open tournament when he was just seven years old. Despite being competing against other seasoned adult players, Kushal’s concentration was remarkable, winning two games and drawing one against other players in the Under-2200 section.
Although it is not specified which of these achievements was the specific occasion when Kushal “shattered” the age record for a 2000 national rating, it is known that he managed to do so almost two months ahead of schedule, beating the previous world record holder. It was a historic day for English chess, demonstrating that a primary school student from London could outperform the early statistics of the world’s most famous Grandmasters.
Playing Style and Growth
Kushal is known for having a fearless playing style. In 2025, he competed against other world-class Grandmasters, including Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Victor Bologan. Although it is obviously challenging for him, it is exactly what he needs for his next goal of attaining the title of Grandmaster. Kushal is particularly good with the White pieces, using complex tactical battles to outmaneuver other seasoned players.
Inspiration for a New Generation
The story of Kushal Jakhria is an inspiration to parents and children alike. It shows that with concentration and support, there is no limit to what one can achieve based on their age. Playing chess improves children’s thinking skills, patience, and memory.
We at The New England Chess School believe in the spirit of the game. We encourage children to take up chess as part of their lives. We provide our children with the best coaches and opportunities to participate in tournaments at our facilities. We believe that we have the right environment to bring up the next generation of chess masters. Whether your child wants to take up the game or break records like Kushal, we at The New England School are the place to be.