GM Elshan Moradiabadi

Grandmaster Elshan Moradiabadi brings a rare blend of elite playing strength, deep academic insight, and an unmatched passion for teaching to Evolution Chess Academy.

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Born in Iran during a time when chess was banned, Elshan learned the game under challenging circumstances—an experience that shaped his life’s mission: to provide others with the opportunities and mentorship he once lacked. Today, he is a dedicated coach, fierce competitor, acclaimed author, and thought leader in the global chess community.

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Elshan holds multiple academic degrees, including an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies and an MBA from Texas Tech University, as well as a BSc in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University of Technology. This academic rigor mirrors his analytical approach to chess—meticulous, methodical, and always evolving.

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Over the past two decades, Elshan has coached a diverse group of players—from beginners to Grandmasters—across federations, age groups, and continents. His philosophy emphasizes classical foundations, deep analytical preparation, and the psychological discipline required for competitive success.

Notable names of players, Elshan has worked with are : GM Sam Sevian, Pouya Idani, IM Sara Khadem, IM Kostya Kavutsky.

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In addition he has been appointed coach for the US National Team in 2019 and has coached top American youth players in their quest to medaling in international competitions. 

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•  GM Elshan brings elite-level Insight having been the Co-winner of the U.S. Open and two-time U.S. Championship participant (2020 & 2022);

•  Acclaime Co-author of Sherlock’s Method, a structured training guide for serious club players (1700–2300+ OTB), and a regular contributor to Chess Life Magazine. Named Chess Journalist of the Year in 2022.

• 🎓 Experienced Educator & Coach: With a decade of teaching under his belt, Elshan has coached national teams (Iran, Papua New Guinea), university teams (University of Toronto, Texas Tech), and hundreds of private students globally.

• 🌍 Multilingual Mentor: Fluent in English, Farsi, Kurdish, and conversational Arabic, Elshan connects with students from all backgrounds.

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In his classes, GM Elshan goes beyond tactics and openings—he teaches his students to think critically, play with purpose, and understand the deeper truths of the game. He believes that chess is more than just a game—it’s a tool for lifelong growth.

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Whether you're preparing for competitive play or looking to break through a rating plateau, Elshan’s advanced group classes are the place to sharpen your strategy, deepen your understanding, and train like a champion.