How a 12-year-old chess prodigy is balancing content creation and training
Everyone talks about building an online presence today. For chess players, it can definitely help their careers, but it can also begin to affect focus if not handled carefully. 12-year-old Aarav Sarbalia, a FIDE Master with a 2281 classical rating, shows a different way of approaching content. He started content creation to improve his communication skills. Quite a unique approach! Interestingly, he spends just two to three hours a month on it, while his main focus remains on training and tournaments. His parents handle the rest: the scripting, posting, and engagement. Read on to see how this balanced approach is shaping his journey. Photo: Sachin Sarbalia
Visibility matters
There is an unspoken assumption in modern chess that visibility equals progress. If a player is talented, they should also be visible. Playing well is no longer enough. Many chess players today try to build an online presence. For some, this becomes an extension of their passion. For others, the need to post begins to compete with the game itself. This raises an important question: can players use content creation in a way that supports growth without letting it affect their playing career? 12-year-old Aarav Sarbalia’s journey sits somewhere in the middle of this conversation. He is a strong chess player who also happens to create content.
Aarav's parents explain that the primary motivation behind content creation was to help Aarav improve his communication skills. Speaking aloud while playing chess forced him to articulate his thoughts in real time, explain ideas clearly, and become comfortable expressing complex positions under pressure. Instagram, on the other hand, entered the picture for a more pragmatic reason. When potential sponsors asked about social media presence, Aarav's parents realized that visibility mattered. But they were equally clear that Aarav himself should not be pulled into social media.
After discussions with his coach, Surya Shekhar Ganguly, the decision was made that Aarav would stay completely away from social media and his parents would handle ideation, scripting, posting, and engagement. Even today, Aarav does not own a mobile phone. His focus remains firmly on chess.
Interestingly, content creation has changed how Aarav understands chess itself. By translating chess ideas into short videos and relatable concepts, he has learned that instruction does not always require a board and deep analysis. He also learned that chess principles can be explained through visual metaphors and simple storytelling. This shift has helped him see chess not just as a competitive pursuit, but as something deeply connected to life and creativity.
While Aarav appears on screen, most of the thinking happens behind it. His parents are the ones who shape the ideas, write the scripts, and decide what is worth sharing and what is not. Aarav is the actor in the process. A small, dedicated videography team takes care of filming, editing, and the technical details. They turn ideas into interesting visuals. Aarav spends just two to three hours a month on content-related work. He makes sure it never interferes with his training or tournament schedule.
The biggest challenge for them has been reaching the right audience. Their intention is for the content to benefit players who can genuinely learn from it, but gauging that impact is not always straightforward. Regarding this, they received guidance from Deepti Shidore. She helped them think more clearly about direction, messaging, and audience connection. They are also careful about collaborations, choosing them thoughtfully and only when they feel the association adds real value.
Some content ideas emerge organically from personal experiences! One such moment was Aarav’s meeting with Magnus Carlsen. Aarav waited outside a restaurant for nearly an hour before finally asking for a selfie. He was unsure how to take the photo, so he handed his phone to Magnus. Aarav still laughs about telling everyone afterward that Magnus had taken a selfie with him!
Another unforgettable experience came when Aarav played against Simon Reinhard, two-time Memory Champion. The game stretched late into the night and ended with a long post-game analysis session. It became the first time Aarav could say he had beaten a world champion, even if in a different discipline!
Playing against Anand, Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa shifted Aarav's mindset. He admits those games were not hard-fought battles from his side at that stage. But they left a lasting impression. He made a promise to himself that one day he would collect their signatures on score sheets as opponents.
Every chess player’s journey has its own shape. Aarav's story is unique because of the approach he and his parents have taken. They have found a way to share his journey without letting it take over the journey itself! It’s a good blueprint for nurturing talent in the digital age.
You can reach out to Aarav at aaravsarbalia@gmail.com.
Important link
Aarav Sarbalia's YouTube Channel