Have you ever wondered who the youngest grandmasters in chess are? Well, it’s not Magnus Carlsen. These unknown prodigies have shattered records and redefined what it means to be a chess genius at an unbelievably young age. So, let us take a look at the top 5 youngest grandmasters in history, the kids who made the chess world sit up and take notes.
Top 5 Youngest Grandmasters In Chess History
5. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu: 12 years, 10 months, 13 days
Starting our list of the youngest grandmasters in chess is India’s very own Praggnanandhaa, who became a grandmaster in 2018 just ahead of his 13th birthday. He is known for his fearless style and sharp tactical mind.
Praggnanandhaa has been an icon of India’s growing chess dominance. His achievement wasn’t just about age; it was about showing the world that the future of chess looks bright and bold.
4. Javokhir Sindarov: 12 years, 10 months, 5 days
Just a few days younger than Praggnanandhaa when he earned his GM title, Uzbek sensation Javokhir Sindarov made headlines in 2018. His rise was impressive as he showcased maturity on the board that didn’t match his age. Sindarov’s story is a true example of how talent combined with hard work can break barriers and become one of the youngest grandmasters in chess.
3. Gukesh Dommaraju: 12 years, 7 months, 17 days
Gukesh D, another Indian prodigy, took the chess world by storm in 2019. At just 12 years and 7 months, he clinched the grandmaster title, proving that India’s chess pipeline was producing not one but multiple superstars. Gukesh’s fearless and strategic gameplay has earned him respect and admiration, making him one of the youngest grandmasters in chess.
2. Sergey Karjakin: 12 years, 7 months
For nearly two decades, Sergey Karjakin held the crown for the youngest grandmasters in chess ever. The Russian prodigy earned his title back in 2002 at 12 years and 7 months. Karjakin didn’t just stop there; he went on to challenge Magnus Carlsen for the World Chess Championship in 2016, proving his talent on the biggest stage. His record stood unchallenged until 2021.
1. Abhimanyu Mishra: 12 years, 4 months, 25 days
And finally, the youngest grandmasters in chess history, Abhimanyu Mishra. This American kid broke Sergey Karjakin’s 19-year-old record in 2021, achieving the grandmaster title at just 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days. Abhimanyu’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
He moved continents with his family to chase his dream, played hundreds of tournaments, and shattered multiple records along the way. Praised by legends like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, Mishra is not just a record-holder but a symbol of true talent.
So next time you think about chess, remember these names, the youngest grandmasters who turned the chessboard into their playground and history into their legacy.
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