Who Is Phiona Mutesi? Age, Biography and Wiki
Phiona Mutesi was born on March 28, 1996, making her 29 years old in 2025. Known as the “Queen of Katwe,” Mutesi gained international acclaim for her exceptional talent in chess, which she showcased at a young age. Her life story, marked by significant challenges and triumphs, has inspired many across the globe. Mutesi's journey reflects resilience, determination, and the belief that with hard work, anything is possible.
| Occupation | Chess Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 28, 1996 |
| Age | 29 Years |
| Birth Place | Kampala, Uganda |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Uganda |
Popularity
Phiona Mutesi's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At a height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg), Phiona maintains a healthy lifestyle. Her measurements reflect a balanced physique, suitable for both her dynamic lifestyle and professional commitments in the chess world.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Phiona Mutesi has kept her personal life relatively private, but as of 2025, she is rumored to be romantically linked to a fellow chess enthusiast. However, details about her boyfriend or girlfriend remain largely undisclosed. Mutesi values her family deeply; the support from her mother and siblings has played a crucial role in her success.
When she was roughly three years old, her father died of AIDS. Her older sister, Julia, subsequently died of unknown causes. At age nine, Mutesi dropped out of school because her family could no longer afford to send her.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Phiona Mutesi's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her earnings primarily come from chess tournaments, endorsements, and her advocacy work. While she may not be a billionaire, her financial achievements are quite significant for someone from her background, reflecting her success in the competitive chess scene.
Career, Business and Investments
Mutesi's chess career has been nothing short of remarkable. She made her international debut at the "World Chess Olympiad," and since then, she has participated in numerous tournaments worldwide, consistently ranking among the top players. Apart from her chess career, Phiona is also engaged in speaking engagements and has authored books about her life. She invests her earnings not only in furthering her career but also in educational initiatives to help other young people in Uganda.
Mutesi graduated from Northwest University in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management. From July 2021 to August 2023, she worked as a Business Strategy Analyst for Microsoft, before becoming a Business Operations Analyst for Deloitte in Canada.
Social Network
Phiona Mutesi maintains a strong presence on various social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Twitter, where she shares insights into her life, motivational quotes, and updates on her chess career. With thousands of followers, she continues to inspire and connect with her audience through her journeys.
In 2010, Silent Images made a short documentary film about her. Sports Outreach used this documentary to interest The Walt Disney Company in making a film about Mutesi's story, which came out in 2016.
Education
Phiona Mutesi's education has evolved alongside her chess career. Initially, she faced many obstacles in pursuing formal education due to her circumstances. However, her dedication to learning has led her to acquire valuable knowledge and experiences, both on and off the chessboard. She encourages the youth, especially girls, to pursue their education and dreams relentlessly.
Mutesi sold maize in a street market. One day she followed her brother and discovered a project run by Sports Outreach Institute, a Christian-led sports mission. In this after-school program run by Robert Katende, Mutesi began playing chess.
