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Chess has always been a game where age doesn’t define talent. Some players achieve greatness before they even hit their teenage years. Here’s a look at the top 10 youngest chess grandmasters in history—players who rewrote records and stunned the world with their brilliance.
1. Abhimanyu Mishra (USA)
Abhimanyu Mishra made history in 2021 by becoming the youngest chess grandmaster ever at just 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days old. His achievement shattered a 19-year-old record previously held by Sergey Karjakin. Born in New Jersey, Mishra showed exceptional promise early, training intensely under top coaches. His path wasn’t easy—he played in tough tournaments worldwide to earn his norms. This young prodigy proves that dedication and passion can defy age barriers in chess.
2. Sergey Karjakin (Russia)
Before Mishra, Sergey Karjakin held the title of youngest grandmaster for nearly two decades. He earned the title in 2002 at 12 years and 7 months old. Karjakin, known for his defensive mastery, became a world championship contender later in his career. His early success paved the way for other young players to dream big. Even today, he remains one of Russia’s most respected chess figures.
3. Gukesh D (India)
Gukesh D, an Indian chess sensation, narrowly missed Karjakin’s record by just 17 days. He became a grandmaster in 2019 at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. Gukesh’s aggressive playing style and deep calculation skills set him apart early on. By 16, he was already competing against top-tier players. Many believe he could be a future world champion.
4. Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan)
Javokhir Sindarov earned his grandmaster title in 2018 at 12 years and 10 months old. His breakthrough came during the Moscow Open, where he secured his final GM norm. Sindarov’s tactical sharpness and composure under pressure impressed many. Uzbekistan has since hailed him as a national chess treasure. He continues to climb the ranks with his fearless play.
5. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (India)
Better known as Praggnanandhaa, this Indian grandmaster achieved the title in 2018 at 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days. He gained fame by defeating world-class players while still in his early teens. Praggnanandhaa’s rapid rise has made him a role model for young chess enthusiasts. His fearless attitude on the board keeps fans eagerly watching his progress.
6. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan)
Nodirbek Abdusattorov became a grandmaster in 2018 at 13 years and 1 month old. His career skyrocketed when he won the World Rapid Chess Championship at just 17. Abdusattorov’s dynamic style and endgame precision make him a formidable opponent. He’s already considered one of Uzbekistan’s greatest chess exports.
7. Parimarjan Negi (India)
Parimarjan Negi earned his grandmaster title in 2006 at 13 years and 4 months old. Unlike others on this list, he later shifted focus to academics, enrolling at MIT. Despite leaving professional chess, Negi remains involved as a commentator and coach. His journey shows that chess prodigies can excel in multiple fields.
8. Magnus Carlsen (Norway)
Magnus Carlsen, the current chess legend, became a grandmaster in 2004 at 13 years, 4 months, and 27 days. His intuitive play and unmatched consistency led him to dominate the chess world for over a decade. Carlsen’s success story inspires countless young players to take up the game. Many consider him the greatest player of this generation.
9. Wei Yi (China)
Wei Yi earned his grandmaster title in 2013 at 13 years and 8 months old. Often called China’s chess prodigy, he’s known for his creative and attacking style. Wei Yi has shattered rating records for his age group multiple times. His potential to become a world title contender remains high.
10. Raunak Sadhwani (India)
Raunak Sadhwani rounded out the top 10 by becoming a grandmaster in 2019 at 13 years and 9 months old. His disciplined training and sharp positional play have earned him recognition. Sadhwani represents the new wave of young Indian chess talent making global waves. His future in competitive chess looks incredibly bright.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
