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London is currently the epicenter of competitive team chess, hosting the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships from June 10th to 16th. Now in its third year, the event has expanded significantly, drawing 55 formidable teams featuring many of the world`s top Grandmasters. However, this edition isn`t just about the established titans of the game; it`s also a vivid showcase for a remarkable influx of young talent.
While there are no mandates requiring teams to field junior players, a notable trend this year sees numerous squads strategically incorporating young prodigies. These aren`t merely symbolic gestures; these youngsters are actively competing and influencing match outcomes, signaling a broader generational shift at the elite level of chess.
The tournament format, combining both rapid and blitz time controls, provides an excellent platform for these rising stars to test their mettle against experienced professionals in a high-stakes team environment. It`s a dynamic mix that promises unpredictable and exciting encounters.
Let`s take a closer look at some of the young players poised to make a significant impact on the boards in London:
Shreyas Royal (16), representing the `Rookies` team, is an English Grandmaster who earned his title at a remarkably young age, becoming the youngest British GM at 15 years and 7 months in August 2024. His participation highlights the strength emerging from the host nation.
Photo: English Chess Federation
From Nigeria, Deborah Quickpen (13) plays for `Mother Continent`. Having started chess at just three years old, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest ever Nigeria Chess Champion in 2023 at the age of 11. Her presence underscores the global reach of emerging talent.
Photo: islandkey.com
Another English sensation, Bodhana Sivanandan (10) of the `e-therapeutics` team, began her chess journey during the 2020 lockdown and has rapidly ascended. A Woman FIDE Master, she holds the unique distinction of being the youngest person ever selected for an English national team in any sport, representing England at the 45th Chess Olympiad in July 2024.
Photo: Michal Walusza
Also on the `Rookies` squad is Roman Shogdzhiev (10). Just ahead of this event, in May 2025, Roman etched his name into the record books as the youngest International Master in history at 10 years, 3 months, and 21 days. He famously defeated five Grandmasters at the tender age of eight during the 2023 World Rapid and Blitz Championships – a feat that caused quite a stir.
Photo: Lennart Ootes
Representing `Turkish Airlines Sports Club`, Argentine International Master Faustino Oro (11) is another record-holder, previously holding the title of youngest IM until May 2025. He became the youngest player to reach a classical rating of 2300 in 2023 and gained significant media attention in March 2024 for defeating World Champion Magnus Carlsen in an online Bullet Brawl tournament. One might wonder if the established masters are starting to check birth certificates before sitting down.
Photo: Maria Emelianova
Estonian Woman FIDE Master Sofia Blokhin (19), playing for `Olala Stars`, brings recent championship experience, being the reigning World Rapid Champion in the Girls Under-18 category (2024). At 19, she represents the older end of this `rising star` spectrum, already seasoned by two Chess Olympiad appearances.
Photo: Eesti Maleliit
Hungarian Woman Grandmaster Zsóka Gaál (18) is part of `Team Hungary`. Earning her WGM title in November 2024, she is a multiple European Youth Champion, demonstrating consistent performance across different age groups and formats.
Photo: Michal Walusza
French Grandmaster Marc`Andria Maurizzi (18) of `Knight Dance` became the youngest French GM at just 14 years and 5 days in May 2021. His pedigree includes sharing first place at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2023 and recent strong performances like winning the Djerba Masters in February 2025 with an impressive performance rating.
Photo: Biel International Chess Festival
Turkish Grandmaster Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (13), playing for `Generation XYZA`, achieved his GM title in April 2024 at a mere 12 years and 10 months. In September 2024, he set another record by becoming the youngest player ever to cross the 2600 Elo rating barrier. This is a truly elite rating, especially for someone barely in their teens.
Photo: Mikael Svensson
India`s Pranav Venkatesh (18), representing `Team MGD1`, became India`s 75th GM in 2022. His most recent crowning achievement was clinching the World Junior Chess Championship title in March 2025, adding to his collection of gold medals from World Youth Rapid and Blitz championships. He`s already reached the pinnacle of junior chess.
Photo: Mitar Djukanovic
Finally, at just 9 years old, Indian Arena FIDE Master Sarbartho Mani is listed on the `Freedom` team alongside none other than Viswanathan Anand. Winning the National Under-7 Open Championship in 2023 with a perfect score suggests a phenomenal talent in the making. Sharing a team with a former World Champion is surely an education in itself.
Photo: Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in London is more than just a high-level competition; it`s a glimpse into the future of chess. The fearlessness, sharp tactical vision, and raw talent displayed by this generation of players are pushing the boundaries of what`s possible at such young ages. As the battles unfold over the boards, the chess world watches with keen interest as these rising stars challenge the established order and carve out their places among the game`s elite.
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