Who am I?

Hello, my name is Juan, I’m 50 years old and I’ve been playing chess since I was 7. Chess isn’t just a game to me: it’s my way of life, my discipline and my greatest aspiration. Since I was a child, I’ve spent endless hours at the board, studying openings and endgames and sacrificing my free time to pursue a dream that few achieve: becoming a Grandmaster (GM).

Why do I need your help?

Achieving the title of Grandmaster requires more than just talent and study. In top-level competitive chess, the most important asset is international experience. To raise my Elo (my international rating) and meet the necessary criteria, I must constantly travel to closed tournaments, often in other countries, where the world’s finest talents compete.

I am currently at a crucial stage in my career, but the costs are the biggest obstacle. The expenses include:

· Tournament entry fees: Closed tournaments with GM norms have high entry fees.

· Travel and accommodation: I need to travel to Europe and America to compete against top-level opponents.

· Preparation: Having an elite coach and access to specialised databases to hone my game to the very highest standard.

The plan

With the funds raised, I will cover the costs for the next 12 months to compete in at least four international tournaments with Grandmaster norms. My goal is clear: to achieve the three GM norms and break the 2500 Elo barrier.

Why invest in this dream?

Because the path to Grandmaster is lonely and costly, but every donation is a key move in this game. By supporting me, you will not only be helping an athlete, but also becoming part of the story of a future Grandmaster. Every contribution, however small, is another step towards the final checkmate.

Transparency

I will post regular updates on this campaign with tournament results, rankings achieved and the progress of my Elo rating. I want every donor to feel like they are playing this game alongside me.

Thank you!

Thank you for reading my story. If you are unable to contribute financially, I would be truly grateful if you could share this campaign on your social media. With your help, the next Grandmaster title will be one step closer.