New documentary on Wesley So: Wholesome, inspiring

by Carlos Alberto Colodro
1/30/2025 – A new documentary, produced by chess.com, delves into the remarkable journey of Wesley So, tracing his rise from a chess prodigy in the Philippines to one of the world's elite grandmasters. Narrated by So himself, the 26-minute film explores his early struggles, his federation switch to the United States and the support of his adoptive family. Offering rare insights into his career and sacrifices, the documentary highlights So's unwavering dedication to the game.
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A 26-minute account of a chess superstar

A new documentary video on Wesley So, produced by chess.com, has been released. The video, lasting 26 minutes, is narrated by So himself, who tells the story of how he became one of the strongest chess players in the world.

Born in Bacoor, the Philippines, in 1993, So displayed exceptional talent from a young age, becoming the youngest player to surpass a 2600 Elo rating in October 2008 (the record was later broken by Wei Yi and John Burke). His early years were marked by financial constraints and limited access to advanced training resources, yet his dedication and passion for chess propelled him forward.

The film highlights So's decision to transfer his federation from the Philippines to the United States in 2014. This transition provided him with better opportunities, including access to top-tier coaching and more competitive tournaments. However, it also meant leaving behind his family and navigating the complexities of a new country. In the US, So found support in his adoptive family, particularly Lotis Key and her husband, who provided him with stability and encouragement.

So's adoptive mother, a former professional film and theatre actress who starred in 85 major films in Asia, shares insights about So's path to the very top. Key helped So directly, as she served as his manager and provided emotional support throughout his career.

Throughout the documentary, viewers gain insight into So's disciplined approach to the game, his strategic prowess, and the personal sacrifices he made to reach the pinnacle of chess.

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Carlos Colodro is a Hispanic Philologist from Bolivia. He works as a freelance translator and writer since 2012. A lot of his work is done in chess-related texts, as the game is one of his biggest interests, along with literature and music.