Elizbar Ubilava is a chess Grandmaster who hails from Georgia. Born in Tbilisi on November 3, 1950, he went on to earn his Grandmaster title in 1988. Ubilava is perhaps best known for coaching some of the most prominent names in the chess world, including former world champion Viswanathan Anand and Parimarjan Negi, a record-breaking young Grandmaster.
Early on in his chess career, Ubilava's playing prowess was recognized when he won the Latvian Chess Championship in 1981. He also clinched victories at the Retymno Tournament in 1988, the Mlada Boleslav Open Tournament, and the Ivanovo Tournament.
However, Ubilava has been far more active as a coach than as a player, especially after his move to India in 1991. His most prominent student, Anand, achieved great success under his tutelage, becoming the World Chess Champion in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012.
Ubilava has also authored several chess books, contributed to El Mundo's chess column, and offered his insights as a chess expert on multiple occasions.
Despite his numerous accomplishments as a player and even more as a coach, Ubilava himself tends to speak in a humble manner about his chess career. He implies that his understanding of the game has expanded more from his coaching efforts than his playing experiences.
In 2013, Ubilava embraced Indian citizenship, citing his long-term residency and comfort living in India as the primary reasons behind his decision.