Chess has its own rising star every day, and right now it’s Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, the 14-year-old Turkish grandmaster who just stunned the chess world by defeating world champion Gukesh D. If one thought chess was a game for the experienced, well, think again. Yağız is rewriting the narrative with his astonishing skills and youth.
Who Is Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus?
Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus was born on June 3, 2011, in Bursa, Turkey. Introduced to chess at the tender age of six by his kindergarten teacher, Yağız’s journey began with a simple curiosity that soon turned into legendary determination. His rise was meteoric, and by the time he was 8, he had already claimed the European Under-8 Championship with a flawless 8/8 score, signalling early on that he was no ordinary prodigy.
Fast forward to today, and the story only gets more remarkable. By 2024, at just 12 years and 9 months, Yağız earned the coveted title of Grandmaster, making him the fourth youngest in chess history to achieve this feat. Not only did he crush records, but in October 2024, he became the youngest player ever to surpass a 2600 FIDE rating, a benchmark that places him among the elite. This young powerhouse isn’t just breaking records; he’s setting a new bar for what’s possible in chess.
Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus Defeats World Champion Gukesh D
But what truly has the chess world buzzing is Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus’s recent victory over world champion Gukesh D. For a 14-year-old to outplay a seasoned titan in classical chess is nothing short of sensational. Not only does it underline his unparalleled talent, but it also signals that the new generation is ready to challenge, and perhaps dominate, the old guard. His aggressive style and sharp tactical prowess make him a formidable opponent far beyond his years.
So, who is Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus? He’s not just a prodigy smashing records or a 14-year-old knocking off world champions. He’s the future of chess, a thrilling mix of raw talent, unwavering discipline, and youthful audacity. Whether he continues this winning streak or faces new challenges, one thing’s for sure: Yağız is here to shake up the chess world and carve his name in history.
Also read: Gukesh D Loses To A 14-Year-Old Prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus In FIDE Grand Swiss
