Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
My name is Fy Rakotomaharo, I’m 25 years old. I’m currently in my fourth year of the Grande École Program at Paris School of Business, specializing in Accounting, Auditing & Consulting, and doing a work-study placement in general accounting at Kaufman & Broad.
I earned my science baccalaureate with a math specialization in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, I took two gap years to fully dedicate myself to chess, focusing on training and tournaments.
I realized it was difficult to make a living from chess at my level without sponsors, so I decided to resume my studies while finding a way to keep playing. That’s when I joined the Business Administration and Management program at CFA Université et Sport in Paris, which allowed me to balance my studies with my passion.
I graduated in 2024 and continued on to a Master’s in Accounting, Auditing & Consulting at Paris School of Business.
Why did you choose the CCA specialization? What do you like about this field?
During my business administration degree, I did an internship in management control, and I really enjoyed the work I was doing in the company. That’s when I discovered my interest in accounting, auditing, and finance.
How is student life at Paris School of Business? Any highlights to share?
Student life at Paris School of Business is going really well. The school is highly multicultural, which makes for rich and diverse interactions.
I also had the honor of representing Paris School of Business at the 2025 French University Chess Championship, where I finished third. That was a big moment for me, and a great source of pride.
Tell us about your passion for chess. When did you start, and what sparked your interest?
I discovered chess at the age of 7 by watching my father play with his friends at home. My curiosity caught his attention, and seeing how interested I was, he began to teach me.
I played my first tournaments in Madagascar at age 8 and started winning trophies very quickly, which only motivated me more.
I left Madagascar at 14 to find better opportunities to improve and compete in more tournaments.
Since 2006, I’ve never stopped playing, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel to over 40 countries for international competitions. That’s also a big part of my motivation.
You're a chess champion, that's impressive! What does that mean to you?
It’s a huge achievement. I’m an International Master in chess, and as of May, I’m ranked 1142nd in the world among millions of players.
My short-term goal is to earn the title of Grandmaster, the highest title in chess, awarded to very few players. In the long term, I hope to join the global elite.
If I make it, I would be the first Malagasy player to reach that level.
What life lessons has chess taught you?
Chess has taught me a lot. I’ve developed deep concentration, patience, and calm. Some games at major tournaments can last over seven hours.
It’s also taught me to take calculated risks. Sometimes that’s cost me a match, but often, it’s helped me improve and win.
Life is similar: you have to take risks to achieve your goals.
Chess has also sharpened my learning and analytical skills. It’s a constantly evolving game, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. Even the best players in the world have to keep learning and stay up to date to remain competitive.
How do you manage to balance a demanding master’s program with a chess career?
I have high-level athlete status at Paris School of Business, which means my absences for training or tournaments are officially recognized.
Since starting my fourth year, I’ve reduced my absences because catching up on classes requires a lot of effort.
Now, I only compete in the most important events like the World Cup, French Team Championships, and World Team Championships.
I’m also very organized: during exam periods, I focus fully on my studies, and during tournaments, I give my full attention to chess.
What are your future plans, both in your studies and in chess?
I want to complete my Master’s in Accounting, Auditing & Consulting by July 2026. I haven’t defined my professional project yet, but I definitely plan to continue my chess career.
What’s certain is that I’ll never stop playing, chess is more than a passion for me.
What advice would you give to a student who’s passionate about something but unsure about pursuing it alongside their studies?
Don’t give up. Keep pushing. You need to be well-organized and disciplined to find a good balance between your studies and your passion.
There will be sacrifices, but they’re part of the challenge!
