Chess has its legends and it’s mostly Magnus Carlsen in recent time, however, recently, the spotlight has shifted to Levon Aronian. He made headlines by winning the Freestyle Grand Slam title, and beating Carslen himself. But who exactly is Levon Aronian and why does his new title matter so much to the chess world?
Who is Levon Aronian?
Levon Aronian is a chess grandmaster, originally from Armenia, but currently plays for the United States. Born in Yerevan in 1982, learnt chess as a young child from his sister. He showed early promise, turning professional by the time he was just nine years old. His skills earned him the grandmaster title at 17, a clear sign he was destined for something big in the world of chess.
Levon Aronian’s Past Achievements
What sets Levon Aronian apart isn’t just a single victory; it’s his consistent run at the very top of the game for more than two decades. Here are some highlights from his impressive career:
- World Cup Winner: Levon Aronian won the FIDE World Cup twice, in 2005 and 2017.
- Olympiad Gold Medals: He led the Armenian national team to three gold medals at the Chess Olympiads in 2006, 2008, and 2012, plus a victory at the World Team Chess Championship in 2011.
- Ranking Milestones: At his peak in 2014, Aronian was ranked world number two with a rating of 2830, making him the fourth highest-rated player in chess history.
- Rapid, Blitz, and Chess960: Aronian has been a world champion in several formats: rapid (2009), blitz (2010), and Chess960 (2006, 2007), showing his adaptability and creativity.
- Recognition and Honors: He’s not just celebrated in chess. In Armenia, Levon Aronian is a national hero, honored with awards like the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots and called the “David Beckham of chess” by CNN for his celebrity status in his home country.
The Freestyle Grand Slam Crown
The Freestyle Grand Slam is one of the newest and most creative formats in international chess. Unlike classic chess, it often allows greater flexibility in starting positions and style of play, encouraging players to think differently and innovate. This makes it a real test for even the most experienced grandmasters.
Levon Aronian’s win in this format is a testament to his adaptability and strategic depth. He’s shown many times before that he can thrive in rapid, blitz, and Chess960, and now he’s added the freestyle format to his trophy case. Winning the Freestyle Grand Slam isn’t just about technical skill, but about boldness and the ability to break away from tradition. That spirit suits Aronian perfectly, which is why his victory has attracted so much attention in chess circles.
What’s Next for Aronian?
With this latest title, Levon Aronian has once again proven why he’s always part of the conversation about the world’s best chess players. Winning the Freestyle Grand Slam keeps his name at the forefront and shows that, even after decades at the top, he’s always ready to try something new and succeed.
Levon Aronian’s blend of consistency, creativity, and risk-taking continues to inspire chess fans everywhere, and now, with the Freestyle Grand Slam crown, his legend only grows stronger.
Also Read: Levon Aronian Wins First Freestyle Grand Slam Title in Las Vegas
