London is currently hosting the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, a significant event running from June 10th to 16th. Now in its third year, the championship has expanded to include both rapid and blitz formats, featuring a larger prize fund and attracting a field of 55 teams packed with many of the world`s leading Grandmasters. While the concentration of top-tier talent ensures intense competition, a striking development setting this edition apart is the prominent role and undeniable impact of its youngest competitors.
Contrary to expectations, there are no specific rules mandating the inclusion of young players. Yet, a notable number of teams have deliberately integrated junior talents into their squads. More importantly, these rising stars are not merely making up the numbers; they are actively influencing results, securing vital points, and demonstrating that age is no barrier to competing at the highest level. Their collective performance underscores a palpable generational shift taking place within elite chess. It seems some teams have realized that the future isn`t arriving quietly; it`s already here, calculated and ready to dominate.
Below are some of the remarkable young individuals who are proving that the next generation of chess champions is already very much in the game:
Shreyas Royal (16)
Photo: English Chess Federation
Competing for the `Rookies` squad, this English Grandmaster recently became the youngest British player ever to achieve the coveted GM title at just 15 years and 7 months. Despite his age, Shreyas is already a familiar face in strong international tournaments, demonstrating a maturity well beyond his years on the 64 squares.
Deborah Quickpen (13)
Photo: islandkey.com
Representing the `Mother Continent` team, Nigeria`s Deborah Quickpen began playing chess at an astonishingly early age of three. By 11, she had already made history by becoming the youngest-ever Nigeria Chess Champion, holding a national title at an age when most are still mastering basic tactics.
Bodhana Sivanandan (10)
Photo: Michal Walusza
An English Woman FIDE Master on the `e-therapeutics` team, Bodhana`s ascent since starting during the 2020 lockdown is nothing short of incredible. At merely 10 years old, she set a national record by becoming the youngest person ever selected for an English national team in any sport, earning her place at the Chess Olympiad.
Roman Shogdzhiev (10)
Photo: Lennart Ootes
Another standout from the `Rookies` team, Roman recently claimed the record for the youngest International Master in history at just 10 years, 3 months, and 21 days. This comes after he stunned the chess world months prior by defeating five Grandmasters at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships while he was *still eight years old*. His rating progress is simply phenomenal.
Faustino Oro (11)
Photo: Maria Emelianova
The Argentine International Master, playing for `Turkish Airlines Sports Club`, was previously the youngest player to break the 2300 classical Elo barrier and briefly held the youngest IM record before Roman. Faustino rose to global prominence in March 2024 when, at age 10, he famously defeated reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen in an online bullet game. An achievement that makes seasoned pros pause.
Sofia Blokhin (19)
Photo: Eesti Maleliit
An Estonian Woman FIDE Master with the `Olala Stars`, Sofia is the current World Rapid Champion in the Girls Under-18 category. While 19 places her towards the upper end of this “young” list, she is a proven youth champion who has already gained valuable experience representing Estonia in multiple Chess Olympiads.
Zsóka Gaál (18)
Photo: Michal Walusza
Representing `Team Hungary`, Zsóka recently earned her Woman Grandmaster title. With titles from European and World Youth Championships under her belt, the 18-year-old is another formidable female talent adding competitive strength to the tournament and showcasing the depth of rising stars.
Marc`Andria Maurizzi (18)
Photo: Biel International Chess Festival
Playing for `Knight Dance`, this French Grandmaster set a national record by becoming the youngest French GM at just 14 years and 5 days. Marc`Andria has consistently performed at a high level, sharing first place at the World Junior Championship and achieving an astonishing performance rating near 2900 in a strong open tournament recently, demonstrating his readiness for the absolute top.
Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (13)
Photo: Mikael Svensson
A Turkish Grandmaster on the `Generation XYZA` team, Yağız achieved his GM title at the remarkable age of 12 years and 10 months. Even more significantly, he recently became the youngest player ever to cross the elite 2600 Elo rating barrier. His rapid ascent places him firmly among the most promising talents globally.
Pranav Venkatesh (18)
Photo: Mitar Djukanovic
Representing `Team MGD1`, Pranav is India`s 75th Grandmaster and a recent World Junior Chess Champion. The 18-year-old has consistently proven himself in rapid and blitz formats as well, holding multiple gold medals from FIDE World Youth events. His inclusion adds significant firepower to his team.
Sarbartho Mani (9)
Photo: Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha
An Indian Arena FIDE Master, Sarbartho holds the distinction of being the youngest player prominently featured at just 9 years old. He`s listed on the `Freedom` team, which also features the legendary Viswanathan Anand. Winning a national Under-7 championship with a perfect score at age seven offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential this very young talent possesses.
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in London are proving to be more than just a high-stakes battle among established titans. They are a dynamic showcase for a new generation of chess prodigies who are not waiting their turn but are stepping onto the biggest stages and delivering results that demand attention. This influx of astonishingly young, elite talent is injecting fresh energy into the sport and offers an exciting preview of the names that will likely dominate chess headlines for decades to come.
Rupert Hartwell