Abhimanyu Mishra: From the World’s Youngest Chess Grandmaster to Global Student at CGA

When most children were learning multiplication tables, Abhimanyu “Abhi” Mishra was rewriting chess history. At just 12 years old, he became the youngest chess grandmaster in the world, breaking a record that had stood for nearly two decades.

Today, at 16, Abhi is not only a rising star on the international chess circuit, he is also a dedicated high school student at Crimson Global Academy (CGA), an international online high school that allows him to balance elite chess competitions with rigorous academics. His journey highlights what’s possible when talent, discipline, and the right educational environment come together.

The Making of the World’s Youngest Chess Grandmaster

Abhi’s journey with chess began almost as soon as he could walk. By nine, he had already made history as the youngest U.S. Chess Master, showing maturity and sharpness far beyond his years.

At ten, he became the youngest International Master in history. And at age twelve, Abhi achieved what many lifelong professionals dream of: the title of Grandmaster, the highest honor in chess.

His story made headlines around the globe, from the U.S. to Europe to Vietnam, where chess has a passionate following. For young players and parents, Abhi proved that with focus, support, and the right guidance, extraordinary goals are possible.

The Challenge: Balancing School and Chess

Behind the records, Abhi faced the same challenge many gifted students and young athletes encounter: balancing school and extracurricular excellence.

Traditional schools were not built for students who travel frequently for tournaments. Absences meant falling behind in coursework and constantly having to choose between academics and chess.

“It’s difficult balancing both school and chess while going to a public school because they do not allow for many absences,” Abhi explains. “This meant I could not play as many tournaments as I’d like to.”

That’s when Abhi discovered Crimson Global Academy, a flexible online school for gifted students that adapts to ambitious lifestyles.

Why Abhi Chose Crimson Global Academy

At CGA, Abhi found a school that provided both flexibility and academic rigour. With live interactive lessons, recorded classes, and one-to-one teacher support, he no longer had to choose between chess and school.

“Each lesson is well-crafted and recorded,” Abhi says. “When I travel for tournaments overseas, I review recordings to catch up. With CGA, I can have the best of both worlds.”

Teachers at CGA also played a key role in keeping him on track: “In case of any questions, I can always reach out to a teacher and expect a prompt response.”

Whether in Europe, Asia, or the U.S., Abhi can compete at the highest level while still progressing toward his diploma.

A Global Student with Global Ambitions

Today, Abhi is the highest-rated U.S. player under 21, with ambitions to climb even higher in the world rankings. At the same time, he is building a strong academic foundation for the future, whether in chess, university, or beyond.

That’s the power of an international online high school like CGA: the freedom to pursue big dreams while earning globally recognised qualifications such as IGCSEs, A Levels, and AP courses.

For students in the U.S., Vietnam, and worldwide, Abhi’s story shows you don’t have to choose between school and success. With the right support, you can achieve both.

CGA: The School for Ambitious Students

Abhi’s journey is just one example of what students achieve at Crimson Global Academy. Our global community includes:

• Entrepreneurs launching startups during high school.
• Athletes competing internationally.
• Performers training for careers in music, dance, and the arts.
• Scholars preparing for Ivy League and Oxbridge universities.

What unites them is ambition and a school that adapts to their goals. CGA offers:

• Flexible timetables designed for high-performing students.
• International curricula including IGCSE, A Levels, and AP.
• Recorded classes, so no lesson is ever missed.
• A global student community across 50+ countries.

Lessons from Abhi’s Journey

Parents and students can take three key insights from Abhi’s success:

• Flexibility matters – rigid school systems can limit gifted students.
• Support is key – teachers and mentors help balance big dreams with academics.
• Balance is possible – you can compete at the top level in sports, chess, or performance while still excelling academically.

Final Thoughts

From being the youngest chess grandmaster in the world to thriving as a global student at CGA, Abhimanyu Mishra proves that extraordinary ambition needs extraordinary support. For students worldwide, whether in the U.S., Vietnam, or beyond, Crimson Global Academy is where academic success and world-class talent can grow together.