Daily Inspiration: Meet Aayush Raj

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aayush Raj.

Hi Aayush, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey in chess around two years ago out of simple curiosity, which gradually turned into a serious passion.

Coming from a small town like Sahibganj, Jharkhand, I initially had limited exposure to over-the-board ( OTB ) tournaments, so I focused on improving through online platforms and consistent self-training.

With regular practice and discipline, I was able to reach a 2100+ rapid rating online within a relatively short period. This rapid progress motivated me to take chess more seriously and continue pushing my limits as a player.

Alongside playing, I also started creating chess content on Instagram through my page ‘Cyber.chess’, where I’ve built a growing community of over 9,000 followers. Through this, I aim to make chess more engaging and accessible, while sharing my learning with others.

Currently, I’m focused on improving both as a competitive player and a content creator, with the long-term goal of reaching the highest level in chess and building a strong presence in the chess community.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth journey.

One of the main challenges was starting from a small town like Sahibganj, where there is limited exposure to professional chess and very few opportunities to play over-the-board tournaments. Because of this, I had to rely heavily on online platforms and self-training to improve.

Another challenge was maintaining consistency and discipline while balancing studies and content creation. There were phases where growth felt slow and progress wasn’t always visible, which can be mentally challenging in a game like chess.

Building a content page also came with its own struggles, such as understanding what works, staying consistent, and growing an audience from scratch.

However, these challenges helped me become more focused and resilient. They pushed me to stay disciplined, keep learning, and continuously improve both as a player and as a creator.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work as a chess player and content creator, combining competitive play with digital content. I create engaging and easy-to-understand chess content, especially for beginners and young players.

Through my Instagram page ‘Cyber.chess’, I’ve built a community of over 9,000 followers. Alongside this, I’ve focused on improving my own game and reached a 2100+ rapid rating online within around two
years.

What I’m most proud of is the progress I’ve made in a short time and building a community from scratch. What sets me apart is the balance between competitive ambition and creative content, allowing me to grow as both a player and a creator.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe finding a mentor comes from being proactive and consistently putting your work out. In my journey, creating content has helped me connect with experienced creators, and collaborating with others has given me valuable exposure and insights.

Social media has played a key role in networking. Through my Instagram page ‘Cyber.chess’, I’ve been able to engage with other creators, exchange ideas, and learn from different perspectives.

My advice would be to stay consistent, build genuine connections, and not hesitate to collaborate. Over time, the right mentors and opportunities naturally come your way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyber.chess?igsh=dHU5cGpsN3hxZzZ5
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chesscyber?si=BfVgfgnLk20m65oh