Talk of the Universe: Ganguly in conversation with Wesley So
Shahid Ahmed·2 min read
Wesley So is the reigning and first official Fischer Random World Champion. He is the current World no.8 and a former World no.2. A little over two months ago, So won Clutch Chess Champions Showdown. So has been to Kolkata, India for the past two consecutive years. In his first visit to Kolkata, So met Surya Sekhar Ganguly who played a small prank on him. We all know Wesley So hails originally from Philippines and few years back he moved to USA where he shined the most. However a lot of things are unbeknownst to us, like what are his hobbies, why he stays away from social media, what are his thoughts and much more. Find out many more things about the reigning Fischer Random World Champion Wesley So. Photo: Surya's youtube channel.
First Official Fischer Random World Champion - Wesley So
Wesley So is the reigning first official Fischer Random World Champion. He has also been World no.2. For the last two years he was in Kolkata, India to play in the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz, the last year's edition was part of Grand Chess Tour too. We all know that Wesley is a very nice and humble person, but how did his journey begin in Philippines? What are his hobbies, how is he spending his current pandemic situation, how it was to transition from Philippines to USA federation and much more we get to know.
Wesley So became first official Fischer Random World Champion in 2019 | Photo: Maria Emelianova/FRChess
Wesley has defeated five World Champions | Photo: Surya's stream
So's adopted mother Lotis Key plays a very important role
Wesley loves various animals
Wesley's pet 18.5 years old 'Zanzibar' made a cameo
The lighter side of the World Champion
Sensational So
Here are the positions which were discussed in Episode 13
So - Wojtaszek, Wijk aan Zee 2017
White to play
So - Carlsen, Stavanger 2018
White to play
So - Sasikiran, New Delhi 2011
White to play
Anand - So, London 2017
White to play
Thien Hai - So, Ho Chi Minh City 2012
White to play
Ivanchuk - So, Wijk aan Zee 2015
Black to play
So - Karjakin, Riga 2019
White to play
So - Dziuba, Reykjavik 2013
Black to play
So - Sadzikowski, Gibraltar 2019
White to play
Replay the games
Episode 13
In Conversation with - Episode 13: So Wesley - 'The humble genius' | Video: Surya Sekhar Ganguly
So answers
In the second part, So answered a lot of questions asked by the audience. So talked about visiting places in India with his mother Lotis, appreciated Indian people and their warm hospitality, street food, keeping himself healthy during tournaments, advantages of being away from social media and much more.
"He does not have a trainer, coach or anything like that" - Lotis Key on Wesley So
Lotis Key answered audience questions along with Wesley So | Photo: Surya's stream
So - Kamsky, Saint Louis 2016
White to play
So - Navara, Wijk aan Zee 2011
White to play
So - Daniel Bogdan, Gibraltar 2019
White to play
So - Aronian, Wijk aan Zee 2015
White to play
So - Kramnik, Shamkir 2017
Black to play
So - Topalov, Saint Louis 2016
White to play
Replay the games
Episode 14
In Conversation with Episode 14: Wesley So - 'Ask Wesley' | Video: Surya Sekhar Ganguly
