Learning chess from his dad, Ekansh began to play chess in his elementary school chess club when he was in 1st grade. He quickly developed his game and an appreciation for the complexity and strategy involved in playing chess. To this day, he continues to play chess for his high school and in tournaments, having achieved the National Master title.

Outside of playing chess, Ekansh teaches others as part of the Chess Through Challenges foundation, hoping that others will gain the same love for chess that he had when he was a kid. By helping spread chess knowledge to other people, Ekansh hopes that chess will spread globally and more people will be able to pursue the things that they are passionate about.

Some of Ekansh’s chess achievements include:

• 2026 IHSA State Championship – Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement on Board One 
• 2025 Chicago Open – Tied for 1st in U2300 
• 2025 USAT North – Tied for 2nd as a Team, Best High School Team Award 
• 2025 IHSA State Championship – Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement on Board One 2024 USAT North – Tied for 2nd as a Team, Best High School Team Award 
• 2024 IHSA State Championship – Gold Medal for Outstanding Achievement on Board One