Since discovering his passion for chess at just nine years old, Justin Rishworth from Jeffreys Bay has consistently participated in numerous tournaments. Now, he hopes to fulfil his dream of achieving the internationally recognised title of Candidate Master, which will require him to compete in 20 major chess tournaments across South Africa in 2025.
Rishworth initially began playing chess at nine after he was introduced to the sport by his teacher, who noticed his interest in strategy and problem-solving.
What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion as he began competing in local school tournaments and then progressed to district and provincial levels.
Some of his achievements include representing the Nelson Mandela Bay Chess Union in multiple tournaments, being awarded the Arena World Chess Federation (FIDE) Master title in 2020, participating in the South African Junior Chess Championship, assisting his team in winning bronze and gold in the 2013 Eastern Cape Championship and qualifying for the South African Junior Chess Closed Championships u/20 in 2015.
Rishworth has also represented the Sarah Baartman District Chess Union in the 2023 Eastern Cape Inter-provincial, where his team won first place, and he secured first-place finishes in regional competitions such as the Kouga Mayor Cup and the Marina Martinique Rapid Championship in 2023.
Additionally, he won a total of 16 tournaments between 2022 and 2024, which included victories in team events at the Eastern Cape Championship while obtaining 12th position in the individual section.
Most recently, he won the Nelson Mandela Bay Chess Union Trials open section, followed by second and third-place finishes in two separate NMB trials.
“These achievements reflect my growth as a player and my readiness to compete at higher levels,” said Rishworth.
Under the mentorship of an internationally recognised chess master, Johannes Mabusela, he aims to compete in 20 major chess tournaments across South Africa in 2025, gaining the experience and rating points necessary to achieve the title of Candidate Master.
“This year I started with a FIDE rating of 1304 which later increased to 1511, which is an indication that I am certainly on the right path to achieving this,” said Rishworth.
Since the Candidate Master title is an official FIDE award, he would need to achieve a rating of 2200, which requires consistent tournament participation, resilience, and strategic growth.
Thankfully, his coach, Mabusela, is a top player in the country and a mentor who has shaped many South African masters.
“This journey is not just about achieving a title; it’s about showcasing the value of hard work and perseverance in the chess community and beyond. These tournaments will help me build competitive experience and refine my game under high-pressure conditions,” said Rishworth.
Since his participation will require him to raise nearly R80 000 for tournament entry fees, travel, accommodation, coaching sessions, and various miscellaneous costs, he seeks assistance to raise the necessary funds.
The first of the 20 tournaments is expected to kick off in March 2025 in Pretoria.
In order to support his ambitions, Rishworth has initiated a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign.
This allows individuals to contribute towards his goal, with each donation serving as a vital step forward.
Rishworth mentioned that local businesses and individuals can play a vital role in his journey by providing financial or promotional support and helping shine a spotlight on his community’s talent on a national and international stage.
He further stated his commitment to keeping his supporters updated by providing regular progress updates through various social media channels to ensure complete transparency throughout his journey.
“Achieving the Candidate Master title would mark a significant milestone in my chess career. It is an internationally recognised title awarded by FIDE, the global governing body of chess, and it would validate years of hard work, training, and dedication,” said Rishworth. “Beyond personal achievement, earning this title would serve as an inspiration for aspiring players in my community, proving that with the right support and determination, global recognition is possible.”
Mabusela expressed that he has had the pleasure of working with Rishworth over the last year and has been inspired by his growth as a chess player. He said that he does not doubt that his student has the potential to obtain the Candidate Master title, which is a significant milestone in chess.
“Over the last year, Justin has worked incredibly hard during training sessions, showing a deep commitment to learning and improving his game,” said Mabusela.
He stated that their training sessions focused on strengthening Rishworth’s strategic approach, calculative skills, and competitive mindset, with remarkable advancements observed in these areas.
“I believe in Justin’s potential, and I know that he can achieve his goal,” said Mabusela.
For more information, or to contribute, visit the BackaBuddy website and use the keywords “Candidate Master.” Alternatively, contact Justin Rishworth at 071 362 7079 or email justinrishworth@yahoo.com.
