Turkish billionaire Evren has launched a comprehensive sponsorship program to nurture young chess prodigies globally, beginning with Turkish talent Yagız Kaan Erdoğmuş. The initiative provides not only financial backing for training and tournaments but also focuses on nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being. Coordinator Selim Gürcan highlights how this support transformed Erdoğmuş's career from near abandonment to grandmaster status.
Yagız Kaan Erdoğmuş, recognized as one of the world's strongest young chess prodigies, nearly quit the game due to insufficient support and the withdrawal of a previous sponsor. About two and a half years ago, Evren, a self-made billionaire and co-founder of the online marketplace Trendyol, decided to invest in chess after his workload decreased. He contacted Selim Gürcan, whom he has known for 35 years since their school championship days, and they began by supporting Erdoğmuş.
Gürcan, the program's coordinator, explained in an interview: "When I told him about Yagiz's age and the achievements he had already accomplished at that time, he said there was no need to think twice; we should support him." This backing enabled Erdoğmuş to achieve three grandmaster norms in three consecutive tournaments, earning the GM title rapidly. His initial coach was Grandmaster Mert Erdoğdu, followed by full-time guidance from Grandmaster Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, whom Gürcan convinced with a flexible arrangement. Grandmaster Eltac Safarlı also contributed to his emotional stability.
The program extends beyond chess expenses to holistic care. Erdoğmuş benefits from specialized meals prepared at home and a personal fitness coach. Gürcan emphasized: "Especially at a young age, feeling psychologically safe, knowing that you are valued and loved, and preventing support or sponsorship from turning into pressure were our main priorities." Evren approached Erdoğmuş as a father figure, committing to at least five years of support.
Currently, the initiative aids several talents: 15-year-old Turkish player Atilla Kuru; French players Marc Llari (12) and Luca Protopopescu (10); England's Bodhana Sivanandan (11); American Brewington Hardaway (16); and women Gulenay Aydın (20, Turkey) and Govhar Beydullayeva (22, Azerbaijan). Evren allocates approximately 1.5 to 2 million dollars annually, also supporting clubs like Marseille Chess Club in France, Monte Carlo Chess Club and Federation in Monaco, and Istanbul Chess Club in Turkey.
Gürcan noted Erdoğmuş's parental support: "Both of his parents supported him tremendously, and his father in particular followed his development very closely." The program's philosophy views chess as a tool against modern distractions like gaming addictions, aiming for long-term development of confident individuals. Future plans include expanding to more international talents with teams of coaches, psychologists, and fitness experts.