At just 15 years old, Rouda Essa Alserkal made history by becoming the first Emirati and Gulf player to be awarded the prestigious title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) by the International Chess Federation. Her journey into the world of chess started at a very young age, with a love for the game sparking early on.
Rouda was always fascinated by chess. As a child, she would eagerly ask her mother to enroll her in a chess club, but when they visited, she was turned away because of her young age. At only four years old, Rouda was already able to move the knight on the chessboard — a skill that takes many children weeks to master. Now, years later, her dedication and skills have earned her a place in chess history.
A Coach Who Saw Her Potential
Rouda’s passion for the game was truly recognized when she met coach Hisham Al Argha. After being rejected by the chess club, Rouda’s talent caught the eye of Al Argha. “He saw potential in me,” Rouda recalls. “He allowed me to play with him, and when he noticed I could already move the knight, he was impressed and welcomed me into the club. That’s when my chess journey took off.” 
Discovering a Love for the Game
Rouda’s love for chess grew stronger during her very first tournament. “The challenge of figuring things out on the board was exhilarating,” she says. “While winning was great, I found it even more exciting that each game was unique, offering endless opportunities to learn. That’s when I decided to push myself and see just how far I could go.”
Consistent Dedication to Mastery
As Rouda’s skills developed, so did her commitment to improving. “I started by learning the basics and becoming comfortable with the pieces. Over time, I focused more on strategy, openings, and endgames. I learned how to think ahead and began recognizing patterns that helped me in future games,” she explains.
However, the journey was not always smooth. Balancing schoolwork with chess training and handling disappointing losses were challenges Rouda had to face. “There were times when it felt like I wasn’t making progress, but I kept training and learning from my mistakes,” she says. “It wasn’t easy, but eventually, I started seeing real improvement.”
A Monumental Achievement
Winning her Woman Grandmaster title was a momentous occasion for Rouda. “I was thrilled and relieved at the same time. All my hard work had finally paid off,” she recalls. “It took a while to truly absorb it, and I reflected on how far I’d come. Personally, it felt like a giant achievement, and for women’s chess in the UAE, it’s a significant milestone. I hope my success will inspire other girls to chase their goals in chess. It’s all about believing in yourself and working hard.”
Ambitious Goals for the Future
Rouda’s ambitions don’t stop with her WGM title. “I want to keep improving and eventually earn my GM title,” she says, setting her sights on competing in top-tier tournaments. “I look forward to the challenge of competing against elite players. Winning more world championships is definitely on my radar, but for now, my focus is on growing as a player and seeing just how far I can go in my chess career.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Chess Players
For those just beginning their chess journeys, Rouda offers some advice: “Be patient with yourself and keep training. It’s not going to feel easy at first, and there will be tough moments. Don’t get discouraged! Play as much as you can. The most important thing is to learn from your mistakes and constantly strive to improve. Focus less on winning and more on enjoying the game. The more fun you have, the more motivated you’ll be to keep improving!”
