Our second meetup is on October 6th 2025 at Purcellville Library in Purcellville, Virginia. Drop in any time between 4-6PM.
The Pawn Project is honored to welcome October's Special Guest, Surfi Ahmed - Arena FIDE Master!
Surfi’s love for chess began in childhood, inspired by the legendary games of Bobby Fischer, especially his match against Reuben Fine featuring the Evans Gambit—a game Surfi describes as both art and fierce competition. To him, chess mirrors life: every move matters, and strategy and harmony are key.
After competing through middle school and college, Surfi returned to the board during Covid, playing in Washington Square Park, NYC. In 2021, he faced GM Maxim Dlugy in a simul—though a small mistake cost him the game, Max was so impressed that he hired Surfi as a coach, launching his professional teaching career.
Surfi is an Arena FIDE Master, a world recognized chess accomplishment, and he has competed in tournaments nationally and internationally. He has trained over 150 students of all ages, many reaching top 20 national and state rankings. He is a passionate coach who firmly believes chess is more than a game. His coaching emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, patience, and confidence, embodying The Pawn Project’s mission to help youth grow both on and off the board.
Surfi will soon open his own academy in Northern Virginia, offering both in-person and online lessons. Whether whether the goal is to compete, improve, or simply enjoy the beauty of chess, Surfi inspires every student to grow strategically, confidently, and creatively.