Anay Gupta

Chess: President

My biggest flex is achieving an en-passant checkmate. Yes, it was beautiful. Yes, I still talk about it.

I won the U-17 Indian International Schools Chess Championship but I blunder enough forks to remain sane.

Having worked at ChessBase India (yes, I know Sagar Shah!), I’ve seen how strong chess communities build when they're ambitious, organised, and just slightly obsessed with the 64 squares. For me, chess is both competition and unwinding. I want to bring that same energy to Imperial College London Chess Club.

Here’s the vision:

1. Casual Sessions That Are Actually Cool
Blitz arenas. Variant nights (Chess960, King of the Hill, etc.). Hand-and-Brain tournaments. Beginner workshops. Chess with forfeits. Themed mini-leagues. Something exciting every week so there’s always a reason to show up.

2. Inter-University Domination
I want to host a flagship inter-university Rapid & Blitz tournament at Imperial. Let's defeat the opps at home! Imagine regular fixtures, London rivalries, more away days, and a reputation that makes other unis prepare specifically for us!

3. Big Moments
Think a simul from a titled player or chess personality (imagine IM Sagar Shah)!

4. Small Moments
Brilliancy of the Week. Game of the Week. Blunder of the Week. Submit your OTB or online game on the GC form, and our top LCL boards review the games and select winners. Spotlighting creativity and chaos will foster intense discussions and analysis about this game we so love.

If elected, I’ll bring structure, ambition, and vibes, and make Imperial the board no one wants to face.