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Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Chess prodigies: The world's youngest chess phenoms of 2025
Image: In the ever-evolving world of chess, 2025 has become a standout year for prodigious talent. From kids barely into their teens to teenage grandmasters rewriting records, a new generation is reshaping how we think about intelligence, strategy, and global competition. These ten players are not just future stars they are already making headlines today. Aarit Kapil – Drawing Magnus Carlsen at age 9 Perhaps the most viral moment of early 2025 came when Aarit Kapil, a 9-year-old from Delhi, held world number one Magnus Carlsen to a draw in an online blitz game and was even winning at one point. The young player's confidence, speed, and positional control shocked viewers and signaled the rise of another Indian chess phenomenon. Faustino Oro – The 'Messi of chess' Hailing from Argentina and now based in Spain, Faustino Oro became an International Master at just 10 years and 8 months, the youngest in history at that time. Known for his exceptional intuition and calm under pressure, Oro has even beaten Magnus Carlsen in a bullet match. His online presence and consistent tournament wins have made him one of the most followed young players globally. Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus – Youngest Grandmaster in 2025 At only 13 years and 4 months, Türkiye's Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus crossed the 2600 Elo mark and earned his GM title. His games show a rare maturity, blending classical positional understanding with the courage to play sharp, aggressive lines. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo Erdogmus has quickly become a top contender in under-16 international events. Ethan Pang – Breaking rating records at 9 Born in the UK, Ethan Pang stunned the chess world by surpassing a 2300 rating before turning 10, breaking records previously held by Oro. Ethan's opening preparation and rapid calculation make him a dangerous opponent even for titled players. Analysts predict he may reach the IM title in record time. Roman Shogdzhiev – Grandmaster slayer at 8 In one of the most talked-about performances of 2024, Russian youngster Roman Shogdzhiev defeated five grandmasters during the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, all at just 8 years old. His fearlessness and ability to outplay experienced professionals under time pressure make him a unique talent. Luca Protopopescu – France's youngest hope At just 9 years and 5 days old, Luca Protopopescu crossed the 2200 rating threshold, making him the youngest to do so in chess history. Known for his solid positional play and strategic endgames, Luca has already won the U-10 French national title and is now gaining international experience in top youth events. Xue Haowen – China's next elite grandmaster China's Xue Haowen earned his GM title in 2025 with a rating above 2500, making headlines with his consistent performance in European circuits. He won the Hastings Masters and several Asian youth championships, positioning himself as China's leading teenager on the global stage. Aaron Reeve Mendes – Canada's international master Aaron Mendes became Canada's youngest International Master in 2025 after a string of dominant performances at the U-18 level. With a solid peak rating, consistent results, and a calm, methodical style of play, he is now entering major international tournaments and gaining global recognition. Ethan Vaz – Goa's youngest International Master From India, Ethan Vaz became the world's youngest IM at just 12. With a peak rating of 2441 in 2025, he continues to grow as a serious contender in the junior circuit. His deep theoretical knowledge and tactical precision have brought him multiple youth championship medals. A global reshaping of chess talent What stands out in 2025 is not just the brilliance of individual prodigies but the global spread of talent. As they continue to mature and compete, these prodigies are expected to shape the elite landscape of chess for years to come. Whether you follow classical, rapid, or online blitz formats, these names are already worth knowing and watching closely.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'So dumb and unnecessary': Magnus Carlsen reveals he felt 'useless' after loss to D Gukesh at Norway Chess
Magnus Carlsen slammed the board after losing to D Gukesh at Norway Chess (Image via ANI) Magnus Carlsen recently opened up about his intense reaction after losing to world champion D Gukesh at the Norway Chess tournament , an incident that drew widespread attention. The world number one admitted that his outburst—slamming his fist on the table—was fueled by feelings of being 'washed and useless' following the defeat to the 19-year-old. 'That was a really painful loss. Those hit a lot harder,' Carlsen shared during an interview on Pardon My Take. He reflected on how the loss affected him deeply, saying, 'Honestly, part of me, when I had that loss (to Gukesh) recently, just felt it was so dumb and so unnecessary. It just made me feel so kind of washed and useless that my thought for a few days was just 'I'm not sure why am I doing this.' When I win it's good, but it feels kind of normal. Then when I lose, it's just, you know, for a moment, the world just falls apart.' Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Carlsen's fiery reaction is not an isolated incident; he has had several clashes with FIDE, the international chess governing body. These include disagreements over the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour and criticism for his choice of attire—wearing jeans—at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships last December. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo When questioned about whether he sees himself as chess's 'bad boy,' Carlsen gave an honest reply. "I don't aspire to be a bad boy. Sometimes, I think I'm in a position, compared to some of my peers, where I can afford not to take shit. But honestly like those moments I had, like banging the table, like I'm generally not going to apologize for outbursts in the moment, as long as you realize afterwards and you show your opponent the proper respect," said the Norwegian. Ground Zero: reporter Sahil Malhotra heads to Leeds for India vs England Test series He also shared his thoughts on expressing emotions in chess, stating, 'Obviously I wish I could have avoided that by winning the game itself, but I honestly think that there should be room for that in chess as well. It's a little bit like smashing your racket in tennis. Chess is such an uptight sport to begin with, that (showing emotions) I think it's okay.' Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘So dumb… made me feel washed and useless': Magnus Carlsen on defeat to Gukesh at Norway Chess
Magnus Carlsen has opened up about the defeat to world champion Gukesh at the Norway Chess tournament and strong emotional reaction — smashing his fist on the table — which made headlines even in corners that chess news doesn't usually penetrate. He said that he had reacted so strongly after losing to the 19-year-old Gukesh because the defeat made him feel 'washed and useless'. Carlsen said that these days he does feel a satisfaction after winning but the negative feelings are 'more enhanced'. 'That was a really painful loss. Those hit a lot harder,' Carlsen said in an interview on Pardon My Take, before adding: 'Honestly, part of me, when I had that loss (to Gukesh) recently, just felt it was so dumb and so unnecessary. It just made me feel so kind of washed and useless that my thought for a few days was just 'I'm not sure why am I doing this.' When I win it's good, but it feels kind of normal. Then when I lose, it's just, you know, for a moment, the world just falls apart.' READ MORE | Fabiano Caruana explains why Magnus Carlsen wanted to dominate Gukesh at Norway Chess Besides the fist smash, world no 1 Carlsen has now been involved in a few confrontations with FIDE, most recently over the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour and wearing jeans at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in December last year. Asked if he was the bad boy of chess, Carlsen said: 'I don't aspire to be a bad boy. Sometimes, I think I'm in a position, compared to some of my peers, where I can afford not to take shit. But honestly like those moments I had, like banging the table, like I'm generally not going to apologize for outbursts in the moment, as long as you realize afterwards and you show your opponent the proper respect. 'Obviously I wish I could have avoided that by winning the game itself, but I honestly think that there should be room for that in chess as well. It's a little bit like smashing your racket in tennis. Chess is such an uptight sport to begin with, that (showing emotions) I think it's okay.'
Economic Times
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Magnus Carlsen faces Gukesh in final round at Stavanger amid possible classical chess exit
IANS Stavanger (Norway), June 7 (IANS) Magnus Carlsen faces Gukesh Dommaraju in the final round at Stavanger, following a rare classical loss and amid speculation this could be his last classical chess tournament appearance Carlsen prepares for final round amid retirement speculation Magnus Carlsen enters the final round of the 2024 Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger after a surprising classical loss to Gukesh Dommaraju. The defeat marked Carlsen's first classical loss to a reigning world champion since 2010, when he was beaten by Viswanathan Anand in the standings tight, Carlsen leads with 15 points, just ahead of Gukesh at 14.5. Hikaru Nakamura (13 points) and Fabiano Caruana (12.5) also remain in contention. The final-round pairings are: Arjun Erigaisi vs. Carlsen, Caruana vs. Gukesh, and Wei Yi vs. Nakamura. Also read: Magnus Carlsen wanted to draw some line in the sand by beating Gukesh in Norway Chess: Viswanathan Anand Speculation has grown that this could be Carlsen's final appearance in a classical chess event. Speaking on the Take Take Take podcast, he stated, 'It's a long time since I enjoyed a classical tournament.' Despite this, a tournament victory remains in reach. World Rapid and Blitz Championships set for London Following Stavanger, attention shifts to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in London. The event will take place from June 11 to June 15 at the Novotel London West Hotel in Hammersmith. Matches will run daily from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with limited tickets teams are expected, including top players like Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will field strong national teams. However, the top-seeded team is WR, led by German businessman Wadim Rosenstein. The team includes Nakamura, Nepomniachtchi, Hou Yifan, and Alexandra is not expected to participate in the World Rapid and Blitz event, continuing his public rift with FIDE. Notable English squads include Malcolm's Mates, seeded ninth, and e-therapeutics, seeded 19th and featuring 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan. Adams and Clarke share Cambridge chess title In domestic competition, the Cambridge tournament concluded with eight-time British champion Michael Adams and blitz specialist Brandon Clarke sharing first place with 7.5 out of 9 points. Clarke secured his final-round win with the Hungarian Dragon Sicilian in just 21 moves. Also read: 'I've also banged a lot of tables': Gukesh reacts to Carlsen's Norway Chess meltdown Adams has remained unbeaten over three years at the Cambridge tournament, now with 27 straight games without loss. His consistent performances highlight his strategic approach and experience, even as younger challengers rise through the ranks. His primary domestic rival has been Dan continues to be a stronghold for Adams, while other key events loom. Prize money at Cambridge ranges from £1,500 to £600. In comparison, the British Championship in Liverpool this August offers top prizes of £6,000 to £1,500. The English Championship in Warwick this July will award between £2,000 and £ rising youth talent and returning veterans, the English chess calendar remains competitive. Roman Shogdzhiev of Russia, now the youngest international master at age 10, is a rising star to watch in future events.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Magnus Carlsen faces Gukesh in final round at Stavanger amid possible classical chess exit
Carlsen prepares for final round amid retirement speculation Magnus Carlsen enters the final round of the 2024 Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger after a surprising classical loss to Gukesh Dommaraju . The defeat marked Carlsen's first classical loss to a reigning world champion since 2010, when he was beaten by Viswanathan Anand in London. With the standings tight, Carlsen leads with 15 points, just ahead of Gukesh at 14.5. Hikaru Nakamura (13 points) and Fabiano Caruana (12.5) also remain in contention. The final-round pairings are: Arjun Erigaisi vs. Carlsen, Caruana vs. Gukesh, and Wei Yi vs. Nakamura. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Also read: Magnus Carlsen wanted to draw some line in the sand by beating Gukesh in Norway Chess: Viswanathan Anand Speculation has grown that this could be Carlsen's final appearance in a classical chess event. Speaking on the Take Take Take podcast, he stated, 'It's a long time since I enjoyed a classical tournament.' Despite this, a tournament victory remains in reach. Live Events World Rapid and Blitz Championships set for London Following Stavanger, attention shifts to the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in London. The event will take place from June 11 to June 15 at the Novotel London West Hotel in Hammersmith. Matches will run daily from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with limited tickets available. Fifty-five teams are expected, including top players like Hikaru Nakamura and Ian Nepomniachtchi. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will field strong national teams. However, the top-seeded team is WR, led by German businessman Wadim Rosenstein. The team includes Nakamura, Nepomniachtchi, Hou Yifan, and Alexandra Kosteniuk. Carlsen is not expected to participate in the World Rapid and Blitz event, continuing his public rift with FIDE. Notable English squads include Malcolm's Mates, seeded ninth, and e-therapeutics, seeded 19th and featuring 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan. Adams and Clarke share Cambridge chess title In domestic competition, the Cambridge tournament concluded with eight-time British champion Michael Adams and blitz specialist Brandon Clarke sharing first place with 7.5 out of 9 points. Clarke secured his final-round win with the Hungarian Dragon Sicilian in just 21 moves. Also read: 'I've also banged a lot of tables': Gukesh reacts to Carlsen's Norway Chess meltdown Adams has remained unbeaten over three years at the Cambridge tournament, now with 27 straight games without loss. His consistent performances highlight his strategic approach and experience, even as younger challengers rise through the ranks. His primary domestic rival has been Dan Fernandez. Cambridge continues to be a stronghold for Adams, while other key events loom. Prize money at Cambridge ranges from £1,500 to £600. In comparison, the British Championship in Liverpool this August offers top prizes of £6,000 to £1,500. The English Championship in Warwick this July will award between £2,000 and £750. With rising youth talent and returning veterans, the English chess calendar remains competitive. Roman Shogdzhiev of Russia, now the youngest international master at age 10, is a rising star to watch in future events.
