It's funny that he lost the final of his first national with Arnett by falling into the trap e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bc4 Nd4 Nxe5? Qg5 Ng4? d5!.(they were 8 yrs old.) That game is also missing. And the following year, he won the final with another trap, except this time his opponent Shaked was the one who fell into it.

All this guy has mastered is self promotion, this skill comes easy with deep pockets, just like any other "achievements".

Actually, each belt color in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (which Josh takes) has a world championship tournament - blue, purple, brown and black.

White Belt.
Blue Belt.
Purple Belt.
Brown Belt.
Black Belt.
black red belt.
Red

You can read more fascinating stuff on Jeff Sarwer, the pages of the real opponent of Waitzkin.

I think he has somewhat soured on the competitive aspects of chess. I recall him issuing a broad warning to parents of talented youngsters.

Instead, lets play "Eastern, philosophical Hand-Tapping" to demonstrate our incredible polymathic and versatile abilites.

I remember Josh from some US Amateur team events in the early 1990s; the kid could play. One suspects more than a little jealousy because this player chose to pursue other activities. It was the right thing for him to do, and that should be good enough for others. Who is anyone to judge in that way?

He is all grown up now & finally married to a reality show contestant of all things!

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