FIDE President visits Latin America to promote chess growth
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has completed a strategic tour across Latin America and the Caribbean—visiting Panama, Aruba, Curaçao, Venezuela, and Colombia—to bolster chess development in the region through strategic partnerships, education initiatives, and youth engagement. Colombia During his visit to Colombia, Arkady Dvorkovich took part in the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) assembly in Barranquilla. He witnessed the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the CCA and the Asian Chess Federation, aimed at enhancing school chess projects, youth development programs, coach and player exchanges, and educational material collaboration. He also attended the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad (August 16–23, 2025), where he made the first ceremonial move in a match between Georgia and the FIDE team. Reflecting on the event, he remarked: “I hope at some point we will have the Chess Olympiad in the Americas—not U-16, but the main one. It is our ambition for the future. Having more events here allows local players to improve their skills and gain valuable experience.” Panama FIDE President met with Luis Esquivel (President, Panama Chess Federation), Miguel Ordóñez (Director General, Pandeportes), and José Carrillo Pujol (President, Confederation of Chess for the Americas). They had a productive discussion on expanding school chess programs, organizing international events, and enhancing training opportunities, with plans for closer collaboration between FIDE and the Chess Federation of Panama. Aruba In Aruba, he met with Gerlien Croes (Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation & Sports). Alongside FIDE Executive Director, GM Victor Bologan, he opened a mini chess tournament at Centro di Bario Dakota, engaged with young players, and joined a friendly football match—highlighting chess as a tool for community development. Curaçao In Curaçao, Arkady Dvorkovich held a formal meeting with Sithree van Heydoorn (Minister of Education, Science, Culture & Sport), Christine Dania (President, Curaçao Olympic Committee), Vergilly Winklar (Director, Foundation for Development of Sports), and Paulus Berkenveld (President, Curaçao Chess Federation). Discussions focused on establishing chess among Curaçao’s top five sports and introducing Chess in Schools. GM Bologan also gave a simultaneous exhibition for local players to promote grassroots participation. Venezuela In Venezuela, FIDE President met with Rander Peña (Deputy Minister for Latin America, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Hugo Martín (President, Venezuelan Chess Federation), Alejandro López (Vice Minister of Education), Johann Carlos Álvarez Márquez (Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Promotion), and Jose Manuel Suarez Maldonado (Mayor, Vargas Municipality). The discussions centered on strengthening professional and social chess, hosting international events, and scaling up the Chess in Schools program through joint initiatives. Reflecting on the tour, FIDE President said: “Visits like these are vital for the global chess community. They connect us with players, officials, and educators while supporting federations in bringing chess to schools, communities, and families. The passion I witnessed confirms that chess is more than a sport—it is a tool for education, social development, and international friendship.”
Fujairah Global Chess: World Junior Champion Pranav V stuns top seed Nihal Sarin
The inaugural Fujairah Global 2025 tournament began with a sensational upset as India’s reigning World Junior Champion, GM Pranav Venkatesh, defeated top seed and recent Asian Individual silver medalist, compatriot GM Nihal Sarin. Playing Black in the Sicilian, Nihal soon found himself under mounting pressure. Limited with space, his pieces struggled to find activity. On move 29, his bishop became trapped near Pranav’s king, shifting the balance decisively. Although Nihal was given a chance to bounce back after Pranav’s slip on move 45, he missed this opportunity, ultimately resigning after a long 71-move battle. For Nihal, who is close to the 2700 rating mark, the loss was a major setback, and he appeared visibly dejected after the game. Just last week, Nihal defeated Pranav at the Chennai Grandmasters, but this time Pranav took sweet revenge by leveling the score. Opening Ceremony & Participation Yesterday, the city of Fujairah, UAE, hosted the opening and the first round of the 1st Fujairah Global Chess Championship 2025. With 71 countries and over 530 participants across three sections — Superstars with 44 players, Masters with 239 players, and Open with 250 players — the championship promises top-level action filled with excitement and unexpected results throughout. Special guests from the UAE Chess Federation, Fujairah Chess & Culture Club, and the Qatar Chess Federation attended the opening, reaffirming international support for the growth of chess in the UAE and underlining the global importance of the event. Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Barak T, President of the Fujairah Chess & Culture Club, and Mohamed Al-Mudahka, President of the Qatar Chess Federation, made the first ceremonial moves to officially launch the competition in all three sections. The UAE Chess Federation extended its gratitude to all partners and organizations that made the tournament possible — especially the sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in organizing such a grand event. Fans can follow the games live on the Fujairah Chess and ChessBase India Hindi YouTube channels, as well as track results on Chess-Results. Surprises on Day 1 The Superstars event features 44 elite players with an impressive average rating of 2606. The opening round saw several big surprises: Second seed GM Raunak Sadhwani was held to a draw by FIDE’s GM Aleksey Grebnev. Third seed GM Amin Tabatabaei suffered a shock defeat against Romanian GM Alexander Motylev (pictured below). India’s GM S L Narayanan drew with USA’s GM Sam Shankland. GM Pranav Anand held UAE’s top star, GM Salem Saleh. GM Pranesh M split the point with Mexico’s GM Jose Martinez Alcantara Meanwhile, Hungary’s GM Sanan Sjugirov defeated compatriot GM Adam Kozak to start with a full point. The first-round upsets were so striking that ninth seed Sjugirov now finds himself on Board 1 for Round 2, 12th seed Cheparinov – on Board 2, and 18th seed Abhimanyu Mishra – on Board 3. In fact, among the top 18 players, as many as 15 either lost or were held to draws — a clear indication of how fiercely competitive this section is. The tournament boasts a total prize fund of US$ 125,000, with US$ 80,000 allotted to the Superstars section, US$ 30,000 to the Masters (2200–2599), and US$ 15,000 to the Open (<2200). The top three prizes in the Superstars are $23,000, $13,000, and $9,000 respectively. Masters section The Masters is itself a very strong Grandmaster tournament. On the top board, USA’s GM Vladimir Akopian received a walkover to get himself on the scoreboard. On Board 2, India’s reigning National Champion, GM Karthik Venkataraman, started his campaign with a win against compatriot FM Garv Gaur. On Board 3, Turkey’s GM Sanal Vahap defeated India’s Namitbir Singh Walia to secure his first victory. The Masters section has attracted 202 players, while the Open section has nearly 290 participants. Altogether, the three categories feature 533 players from 71 countries, making Fujairah Global a truly international celebration of chess. Written by Pavel Dvorkovich & Niklesh Jain Photos: Aditya Sur Roy, Anna Shtourman and IA Vivek Sohani Photo gallery: flickr.com/photos/203288106@N04/albums/ Broadcast: youtube.com/watch?v=k6u0lv3DjrU Results are available HERE
FIDE World Cup 2025 heads to Goa, India
The FIDE World Cup 2025 is coming to Goa! From October 30 to November 27, 2025, the world’s top players will gather on India’s west coast for one of the most exciting chess events. This knockout spectacle brings together 206 players fighting for a share of USD 2,000,000 and three coveted places in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. Every round is win-or-go-home, making the World Cup one of the most dramatic tournaments on the calendar. Why Goa? Goa’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality makes it an exciting backdrop for this global showdown. Players and fans will experience world-class chess alongside a destination famous for its energy and charm. India’s connection to chess runs deep, and in recent years the country has become a global force, producing top players and hosting significant tournaments. Last year, Gukesh Dommaraju became the World Champion, whilst Indian teams won the Chess Olympiad in both Open and Women categories. The momentum continued: this July, the Women’s World Cup saw a standout performance by Divya Deshmukh, who lifted the trophy and captured worldwide attention. Staging the Open World Cup in Goa builds on these successes and gives local fans an opportunity to watch their stars compete against the very best on home soil. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President: “India has become one of the strongest chess nations, with outstanding players and passionate fans. After the success of the FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Georgia earlier this year, we are proud to bring the FIDE World Cup to Goa. It will be a celebration of chess, and a unique experience for players and spectators from around the world. The representatives of 90+ countries are expected to take part, and it will be one of the most followed events in chess history.” Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India: “India is delighted to be hosting the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025 and that too after over two decades. Chess is gaining popularity among our youth. I am sure this tournament will witness thrilling matches and showcase the brilliance of top players from around the world.” Nitin Narang, AICF President: “This is a proud moment for Indian chess, and we are committed to delivering an event that reflects both the passion of our fans and the professionalism of our federation. The World Cup will not only inspire millions across the country but also showcase India’s growing stature as a global hub for chess. We are deeply thankful to FIDE for granting India the honor of hosting the World Cup 2025 in Goa.” Key Details Dates: 31 October to 27 November 2025 Venue: Goa, India Players: 206 Format: Eight-round knockout Top 50 seeds enter from Round 2 Matches are two classical games, with rapid and blitz playoffs if tied Candidates spots: Top three finishers qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament List of qualified players: worldcup2025.fide.com/participants/ Regulations for FIDE World Cup 2025 (PDF) With Goa confirmed as the host city, anticipation is building for an unforgettable month of high-stakes chess. Stay tuned for more information. The countdown to the FIDE World Cup 2025 has officially begun!
Women’s Chess Marathon – Week 3: Asia and Australia сelebrate
The third week of the FIDE Women’s Chess Marathon brought remarkable celebrations across Asia and Australia, showcasing both the breadth of participation and the depth of dedication that define women’s chess worldwide. From one of Nepal’s largest women’s tournaments to celebratory events in Australia, the week illustrated how chess connects and empowers girls and women across generations and continents. Nepal: A Historic Celebration of Women’s Chess In Nepal, the Himalayan Chess Academy staged one of the largest women’s and girls’ tournaments ever held in the country. Organised with the active support of Monalisha Khamboo, member of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, the event brought together an impressive 142 players, aged between 5 and 67. The scale and diversity of participation made the tournament a true festival of chess, where both rising talents and experienced players found their place. After an inspiring day of competition, Precious Adhikari emerged as Champion, with Nihana Shrestha taking second place and Reshika Shrestha securing third. Prizes were awarded across multiple categories, from U-10 to veterans, underlining the inclusive nature of the event. From the youngest players like Anisma Tamang (U-10) to veterans such as Rukmani Jimi (S-50+), each participant’s achievement was recognised. Special prizes for sportsmanship, rising players, and most improved competitors highlighted the spirit of encouragement and community. The tournament also drew extraordinary support from across sports, culture, and education. Among the distinguished guests were: Palesha Goverdhan, Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medalist Father Thomas Augustine, Principal of St. Xavier College Dipendra Lama, renowned Film Director Member Secretary of the Nepal Sports Council Dipen Rai, Senior Vice President of the Nepal Chess Federation Dinesh Maharjan, Chairman of Kathmandu Metropolitan City – 4 Surendra Kumar Rai, President of Koshi Province Chess Association Gehendra Bahadur Chand, Vice Principal of St. Xavier College This landmark tournament set a new benchmark for women’s chess in Nepal, reflecting the spirit of the Women’s Chess Marathon: inclusivity, opportunity, and the celebration of women’s potential through chess. Australia: Inspiration Across Generations In Australia, the Women’s Chess Marathon became a true celebration across schools, blending large-scale participation with inspiring role models and a remarkable coaching legacy. From a record-breaking interschool girls’ tournament to a lecture by a former World Juniors representative and a simultaneous exhibition by the country’s top female player, the week highlighted the strength of women’s chess at every level. August 12 – The Korowa Anglican Girls School CV Zonal Tournament attracted an impressive 120 girls from Prep to Grade 12, making it one of the largest interschool girls’ events in the country. The tournament showed the enthusiasm and growing talent of young Australian players, with all participants receiving official certificates from the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess. August 19 – Former participant of Oceania Women’s Zonal tournament Andjelija Zivanovic spoke to students at Lauriston Girls School, sharing her personal journey in chess and inspiring the youngest generation, including her own daughter who now plays at the school. August 21 – WGM Julia Ryjanova, Australia’s top female player, delivered a lecture and a simultaneous exhibition against 24 students at Lauriston, impressing all with her focus and skill. The celebrations also recognised the remarkable contribution of Leonid Sandler, who has coached at Lauriston for 25 years. Global Marathon, Shared Spirit Together, the events in Nepal and Australia exemplify the essence of the FIDE Women’s Chess Marathon: creating opportunities for participation, celebrating achievements, and connecting a community of girls and women in chess – in a safe atmosphere of inspiration and growth. From record-breaking participation in Nepal to the celebration of long-term dedication in Australia, Week 3 of the Marathon highlighted the strength, diversity, and potential of women’s chess. FIDE and FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess warmly congratulate and thank the organisers, players, and supporters in both countries for their inspiring contributions. Their efforts are the key to growing chess communities of girls and women worldwide. A special thank-you goes to Monalisha Khamboo, member of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess and Leonid Sandler, a long-time supporter of women’s chess and a coach in our initiatives – New National Female Team & Queen’s Gambit Challenge.
Anniversary of Arpad Elo – rating system that changed chess world
122 years ago, Arpad Emmerich Elo—a physicist, chess master, and pioneer of the rating system—was born. A native of the Kingdom of Hungary, he moved with his parents to the United States in 1913, later earning his BSc (1925) and MSc (1928) degrees from the University of Chicago. From 1926 until his retirement in 1969, Elo taught physics at Marquette University in Milwaukee. By the 1930s he was the city’s strongest chess player, at a time when Milwaukee was one of the nation’s leading chess hubs. He won the Wisconsin State Championship eight times and was the 11th person inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame. A system for a new era The dawn of the 1970s brought a wave of technological breakthroughs. The debut of the commercial microprocessor marked a new era, and the invention of the pocket calculator in 1970 proved particularly significant for chess. It greatly simplified the work of the FIDE Qualification Commission, which had to handle a rapidly growing number of rating calculations. That same year, FIDE officially adopted Elo’s system for calculating chess ratings. Elo pioneered this rating system, which the US Chess Federation first implemented in 1960. A player’s Elo rating is a numerical measure of past performance, adjusted based on the game’s result, aligning with expected outcomes. For example, if you are rated 200 points higher than your opponent, you are expected to score about 75% of the points in head-to-head games. Meeting that expectation keeps your rating stable; exceeding it raises your rating; underperforming lowers it. Originally designed for chess, the Elo system has since been used in football, baseball, basketball, and other sports. Legacy and evolution In 1971, FIDE published its first rating list. Bobby Fischer topped it with 2760—the only player above 2700—followed by reigning World Champion Boris Spassky at 2690. Thirteen other grandmasters were above the 2600 mark. The publication frequency of the FIDE rating list has changed over time. From 1971 to 1980, only one list was issued per year. This has gradually increased to the current standard of monthly updates. Ratings have generated fascinating statistics. The highest rating ever achieved belongs to 16th World Champion Magnus Carlsen, who reached incredible heights of 2882. Only 14 other players in history have crossed the 2800 threshold. To qualify for the grandmaster title, a player must reach a rating of 2500. Today’s FIDE rating system continues to evolve, considering numerous factors to adapt to the modern game. A major 2024 update, for instance, addresses rating inflation associated with a rapidly growing base of new players, particularly children and beginners with low starting ratings.
Marc’Andria Maurizzi and Yosha Iglesias win 2025 French Championship
Marc’Andria Maurizzi and Yosha Iglesias are the new chess champions of France, both claiming their maiden national titles. The 2025 French Championship took place from August 15–24 in Vichy and featured 16-player knockout competitions in the open and women’s sections, as well as several side Swiss tournaments. In the main events, ties after two classical games were resolved by a 2-game rapid match (15+10), followed if necessary by a 2-game blitz (5+3) and an Armageddon (5 vs 4). The event attracted France’s top players, with the exception of Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who were competing in the 2025 Sinquefield Cup. The open final pitted the youngest participant, Marc’Andria Maurizzi, against the previous year’s runner-up, Laurent Fressinet. Maurizzi confidently advanced through the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, defeating Christian Bauer and Timothé Razafindratsima, respectively. He then faced the experienced Étienne Bacrot in the semifinals, prevailing in a rapid tiebreak to secure his spot in the final. Fressinet’s path was more difficult. After defeating Marie Sebag in the Round of 16, he came close to elimination in the quarterfinals but snatched victory from Yannick Gozzoli in an Armageddon decider. His semifinal was more straightforward, as Laurent cruised past Sébastien Mazé. As many expected, the final was a tense battle. After three consecutive draws (two classical and one rapid), the 18-year-old Maurizzi took control in the fourth game and clinched the title. Bacrot secured the bronze medal by defeating Mazé. The women’s championship was equally exciting. Eventual winner Yosha Iglesias scraped through into the quarterfinals after edging out Marie Leconte but faced fewer obstacles in the later stages. In the final she played Mitra Hejazipour, who had successively eliminated Cyrielle Monpeurt, Andreea Navrotescu, and defending champion Deimantė Daulytė-Cornette. Unlike the open final, no tiebreak was needed. After a draw in the first classical game, Iglesias (pictured above) won the second to capture gold. Anastasia Savina claimed bronze by defeating Daulytė-Cornette in a tiebreak. Photos: FFE / Nathalie Daubry Official website: vichy2025.ffechecs.org/
23rd European Union Youth Championship reaches midpoint
The 2025 EU Youth Chess Championship has passed the halfway mark, with participants demonstrating fierce, uncompromising chess and a very high level of play. After five exciting rounds, the category leaders are: U8: Lev Jevglevski (EST) with a perfect 5/5 U10: Simon Perouin (FRA), also with a perfect 5/5 U12: Alexandru-Daniel Pasca (ROU) with 4.5 points U14: FM Vlad Petroff (ROU) with 4.0 points To celebrate the many combative and excellent games, the organizers are awarding a daily prize for the best game in each category. So far, the following players have received a best-game prize: Wojciech Szlendak (POL), Simon Perouin (FRA), Ivan Menkov (CZE), Simon Matejka (SVK), Nicholas Josephides (CYP), Stefan Grigorescu (ROU), Nikodem Cieslar (POL), Boris Pogorelskiy (CZE), David-Christian Talaba (ROU), Thomas Lobina (FRA), Iris Hamernikova (CZE), Edward Bundan (GER), Romeo Brentegani (FRA), Pavel Hlavacek (CZE), Lukas Janovicek (SVK), Andrii Diachek (POL), Romero Antonio Landeros (CZE), Matelo Vinet (FRA), Stella Maesepp (EST), and Tobias Komarek (CZE). The additional program began on Thursday, August 21, with a simul conducted by FM Josef Kratochvil. Eighteen young championship participants, playing with 30 minutes on their clocks against the FM’s 60 minutes, achieved a surprising 11-7 victory, with time proving to be the decisive factor. A blitz tournament was held on Saturday, August 23, attracting 12 players from four countries, including EUYCC participants, coaches, and parents. FM Josef Kratochvil (CZE) won the event with 10.0/11 points, finishing ahead of Olga Debowska (POL, 9.5 points) and Anna Hrckova (CZE, 9.0 points). All winners received prizes. Beyond chess, participants are enjoying the resort’s wellness center and playground, as well as the beautiful natural surroundings. All results are available HERE Written by Zdenek Fiala, director Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou Photos: Official website Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/
World Youth Chess Olympiad U-16 concludes in Barranquilla, Colombia
The city of Barranquilla has written a new chapter in the history of international chess. From August 16 to 23, 2025, the Colombian Caribbean capital became the heart of the chess world, hosting the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad—an unforgettable event that brought together more than 45 delegations from five continents. For eight days, the playing hall was filled with strategy, talent, and dreams. The ticking of clocks, the silence of concentration, and the emotions of every move transformed Barranquilla into a true temple of youth chess. Team rankings – champions crowned After nine rounds of fierce battles, camaraderie, and resilience, the final standings crowned the world’s best youth teams: FIDE 1 – Absolute Champion, with a flawless record of 9 victories in 9 rounds. Uzbekistan – Runner-up, with 7 wins and 2 draws. Kazakhstan 2 – Third place, with 7 wins and 2 losses. The top-seeded FIDE 1 team dominated the competition, securing gold with a round to spare. Uzbekistan affirmed its status as a new powerhouse of youth chess, while Kazakhstan showed that its young generation is ready to compete at the highest level. Individual brilliance – board winners The Olympiad also shone a spotlight on individual talents dominating their boards: Board 1 medalists: 1 place – GM Ivan Zemlyanskii (FIDE 1) – 7.5/9 2 place – IM Mukhammadzo Suyarov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9 3 place – IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan 1) – 7/9 Board 2 medalists: 1 place – GM Savva Vetokhin (FIDE 1) – 8/9 2 place – IM Khumoyun Begmuratov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9 3 place – Matvei Savelev (FIDE 2) – 7/9 Board 3 medalists: 1 place – GM Artem Uskov (FIDE 1) – 8/9 2 place – FM Alan Petukhov (Kazakhstan 1) – 8/9 3 place – IM A.R. Ilamparthi (India) – 7/8 Board 4 medalists: 1 place – CM Prathamesh Sherla (India) – 8/9 2 place – WIM Jinela Rodríguez Rivero (Cuba 1) – 8/9 3 place – WGM Anna Shukhman (FIDE 1) – 7/9 The Olympiad was more than a sporting competition—it was a celebration of diversity, unity, and cultural exchange. Players of different languages, religions, and traditions sat across from one another, proving that on the 64 squares, everyone speaks the same language: the language of chess. Barranquilla, with its warmth and hospitality, embraced every delegation as family. It became a place where new friendships were born, dreams were nurtured, and the spirit of fair play shone brightly. Closing ceremony to remember The closing ceremony blended sport, art, and culture in an unforgettable evening. Champions were honored in the presence of distinguished guests, including: Daniel Trujillo, Secretary of Sports, Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director Weymar Fernando Muñoz, President of the Colombian Chess Federation Erick Hernández, representative of the Chess Confederation of the Americas (CCA) Eduardo de la Rosa, Governor of Atlántico The legendary Banda de Baranoa brought the evening to life with vibrant rhythms and a spectacular performance that filled the hall with joy, music, and color. Delegations clapped, danced, and celebrated together, closing the Olympiad not as rivals, but as one global family. The Colombian Chess Federation expresses its deep gratitude to all delegations, federations, organizers, and sponsors who made this world-class event possible. Thanks to their commitment, Colombia has shown itself not only as a chess-loving nation, but also as a country capable of hosting events of global excellence. This Olympiad produced more than champions—it created memories, friendships, and inspiration. It proved that chess is not confined to the board: it is a school of life, a bridge between cultures, and a path toward a brighter future for youth. Barranquilla bids farewell with pride and joy, crowned the World Capital of Youth Chess 2025. The pieces are now at rest, but the spirit of this Olympiad will remain alive in every child who dared to dream, compete, and win—not just on the board, but in life. Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez Official website: youtholympiad2025.fide.com/
Future of chess and clash of generations at Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand
While the eyes of the chess world are usually on the favourites, a new generation of players is coming up through the ranks and they will be looking to shake things up at the Grand Swiss in Samarkand. The fourth edition of the strongest ever Swiss System tournament in chess – the FIDE Grand Swiss – is set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan at the start of September. Many of the best players in the world will be there, competing in one of the most prestigious events on the chess calendar. Among them, a cohort of prodigious youngsters in their early teens, brought up to become chess champions and set new world records for the ancient game. While many of them are already widely known, some are yet to stand out on the global chess scene. The lowering age of success bar in chess In 1958, when Bobby Fischer became a Grandmaster at 15 years and six months—already the U.S. Champion at the time—it made headlines around the world. The New York Times reported that this made Fischer a member of the “most exclusive chess fraternity in the world”. As years went by, the age bar continued to go lower: Judit Polgar beat Fischer’s record by two months in 1991, also becoming the first woman to set the new record; then came Ruslan Ponomariov at 14 years and 17 days; Karjakin followed at 12 and seven months; and then in 2021 Abhimanyu Mishra set the current record at 12 years and four months. In nearly 50 years, the threshold has dropped from 15 to just 12. But there are also other records set by youngsters. Turkiye’s Yagız Kaan Erdogmuş became the youngest-ever player to surpass a 2600 rating in 2024, before turning 13. And, of course, the crown of success – Gukesh D became the World Champion at the age of just 18, having previously become the youngest player ever (at the age of just 17) to cross the FIDE rating of 2750. Most recently, Britain’s Bodhana Sivanandan (10) became the youngest girl ever to defeat a Grandmaster and achieve the WIM title. Also, in the United States, 10-year-old Keya Iha defeated a GM in the final round of the Joe Yun Memorial. With the age of mastery and success dropping with every generation, chess is clearly becoming a young person’s game. Early starts, more family and state support, dedication and planning, as well as computers – are to credit for this trend. The forthcoming Grand Swiss in Samarkand is the next battleground where the youthful energy will test and be tested by experience, and the clash of generations will bring new surprises to the chess world. The rising stars to look out for in Samarkand The Open Volodar Murzin (2678) Photo: Michal Walusza Born in 2006 in Nizhny Tagil, Murzin’s became a Grandmaster in 2022, just five years since becoming a FIDE Master. He caught global attention last December when he won the World Rapid Championship in New York with 10/13, defeating seasoned players such as Caruana, Nakamura and Duda. The 19-year-old is currently ranked 46th in the world. Raunak Sadhwani (2676) Photo: Michal Walusza The Indian prodigy has for years been present at the top of the chess world that it’s easy to overlook the fact that he is just 19. The youngster from Nagpur in India became a GM at the age of 13. He won the Commonwealth Championship in the U-10 group in 2015 and was part of India’s bronze team at the 44th Chess Olympiad. A confident and polite player, Sadhwani is a regular at world-class events, always lurking around the top. Jonas Buhl Bjerre (2655) Photo: Maria Emelianova The 21-year-old Danish GM is gradually making his way to the top of the chess world. His greatest successes so far include winning the gold medal at the 2017 European Youth Chess Championships and finishing third at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2022 Challengers group. A versatile player, he has several strong tournaments under his belt and has played almost every top player in the world in recent years. Ediz Gürel (2652) Photo: Mark Livshitz The second youngest Turkish GM (at just 14), Gurel has caught the attention of the chess world on several recent occasions. In 2024, he won the Challengers section of the Prague Chess Festival without a single loss, and his ELO has had a steady upward rise in recent years. With a rating of 2652 at just 16 years of age, Gürel is a player whose star is rapidly ascending. Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (2642) Photo: Michal Walusza Even though he’s only 14, Erdoğmuş already has two spectacular records under his belt: in 2024 he became a GM at the age of 12 years and 10 months (the fourth youngest ever), while that same year he became the youngest player to cross the 2600 ELO mark. With appearances at several notable tournaments (Sitges, Grenke, TePe Sigeman) he is on a fast track to becoming one of the top players in the world. This July, he beat Peter Svidler 4–2 in the “Clash of Generations” match, a result that propelled him into the world’s Top 100, the second-youngest ever after Judit Polgar. Abhimanyu Mishra (2610) Photo: Anna Shtourman Another record-setter, Mishra is the youngest person ever to become Grandmaster. He was awarded the title in 2021, at the age of 12 years, four months and 25 days. His previous record was to become the youngest International Master ever (10 years and nine months). Most recently, he finished in shared 2-3rd place in the US Juniors Championship. Mishra is yet to achieve a grand success in a big international tournament, and he will be looking for a chance at the Grand Swiss in Samarkand. Marc’Andria Maurizzi (2604) Photo: Michal Walusza Another youngster, 18-year-old Maurizzi became the youngest French GM in 2021, at the age of 14. Two years before, in 2019, he won the French junior championship for players under 12 years old.
23rd EU Youth Championship begins in Roznov pod Radhostem, Czech Republic
On Tuesday, August 19, the 23rd European Union Youth Chess Championship (U8, U10, U12, U14) began at the Hotel Energetic in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, Czech Republic. Following the success of previous editions, the 2025 European Union Youth Chess Championship is once again organized under the patronage of the European Chess Union by Šachový klub Světlá nad Sázavou in cooperation with the Czech Chess Federation, with support from the Zlín Region. Boys and girls in each age group compete together in a nine-round Swiss tournament with classical time control but are ranked separately. All games are being broadcast live online. The 2025 edition has set a new participation record, with 127 players from 16 ECU federations. The top-seeded player is Poland’s Andrii Diachek (2223), who leads the U14 category. The top-seeded girl is also from Poland, Lila Rząd kowska (1964), headlining the U12 girls’ section. For parents and chess fans, the organizers have prepared a variety of chess and non-chess activities. Participants can also take advantage of the hotel’s facilities for relaxation and recreation. Rožnov and its mountainous surroundings are well known for sports opportunities, and many players will enjoy visiting the Wallachian Open Air Museum—the largest of its kind in Central Europe. On Wednesday, August 27, eight new EU champions will be crowned. The winners in each category will receive laptops, while the second- and third-place finishers will be awarded digital chess clocks. All participants will receive diplomas, medals, and a T-shirt featuring the championship logo. Written by Zdenek Fiala, director Sachovy klub Svetla nad Sazavou Photos: Official website Official website: chess.cz/mistrovstvi-evropske-unie/ All results are available HERE Live broadcast: HTML: U14, U12, U10, U8 Lichess: U14, U12, U10, U8, All