The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships, currently underway in London from June 10 to 16, have quickly distinguished themselves beyond their expanded format and increased prize fund. While featuring a formidable lineup of 55 teams, many packed with world-class Grandmasters, the defining narrative of this year`s event is undeniably the prominent emergence of young chess talent.
Unlike events with specific junior sections, the team championships see players of all ages competing side-by-side. What`s striking this year isn`t just the number of young faces, but their significant impact on the competition`s dynamics. These are not just players filling a roster spot; they are actively shaping results and challenging established hierarchies, signaling a substantial generational shift within elite chess.
Let`s take a closer look at some of the remarkable young talents who are seizing the spotlight and proving that the future of chess isn`t just coming – for many, it`s already here, playing rapid and blitz in London.
Meet the Young Contenders
Photo: English Chess Federation
Shreyas Royal (16) representing `Rookies`. This English Grandmaster, born in 2009, claimed the title of youngest British GM at 15 years and 7 months. His participation in major events like the FIDE Grand Swiss and strong performance in the British Championship highlight his readiness for top-tier competition.
Photo: islandkey.com
Deborah Quickpen (13) from Nigeria, playing for `Mother Continent`. Starting chess at just three years old, Deborah made history in 2023 by becoming the youngest ever Nigerian Chess Champion at the age of 11. A true prodigy whose early start has clearly paid dividends.
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Photo: Michal Walusza
Bodhana Sivanandan (10) of England, playing for `e-therapeutics`. Discovered chess during the 2020 lockdowns, Bodhana`s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. By 2024, she achieved the distinction of being the youngest person ever selected for an English national team in *any* sport, earning her spot for the Chess Olympiad. Truly remarkable progress in just a few years.
Photo: Lennart Ootes
Roman Shogdzhiev (10), another key player for the `Rookies`. Roman recently etched his name into the record books by becoming the youngest International Master ever, at the astonishingly precise age of 10 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Many chess fans will recall his stunning performance at the 2023 World Rapid and Blitz Championships where, at just eight years old, he famously defeated five Grandmasters. His presence is always electric.
Photo: Maria Emelianova
Faustino Oro (11) from Argentina, competing for `Turkish Airlines Sports Club`. Faustino previously held the record for the youngest International Master until Roman Shogdzhiev recently surpassed him – a friendly, albeit swift, passing of the torch among wonderkids. Faustino also notably defeated Magnus Carlsen in a Bullet game in 2024 and was the youngest ever to achieve a classical rating of 2300. His dynamic style makes him a captivating player to watch.
Photo: Eesti Maleliit
Sofia Blokhin (19), an Estonian Woman FIDE Master with the `Olala Stars` team. While slightly older than some on this list, Sofia is a reigning World Rapid Champion in the Girls Under-18 category and holds multiple European titles. Her experience representing Estonia in Olympiads demonstrates her seasoned presence despite her young age.
Photo: Michal Walusza
Zsóka Gaál (18), a Hungarian Woman Grandmaster playing for `Team Hungary`. Earning her WGM title in late 2024, Zsóka has been a consistent performer in youth championships for years, securing titles at various age levels in both over-the-board and online formats.
Photo: Biel International Chess Festival
Marc`Andria Maurizzi (18), a French Grandmaster on the `Knight Dance` team. Marc`Andria became the youngest French GM at the precocious age of 14 years and 5 days. His shared victory at the 2023 World Junior Championship and impressive 2898 tournament performance rating at the Djerba Masters earlier this year cement his status as a formidable force.
Photo: Mikael Svensson
Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (13), a Turkish Grandmaster with `Generation XYZA`. Yağız earned his GM title at just 12 years and 10 months and is the youngest player ever to cross the 2600 Elo rating barrier. His rapid climb up the rating list and strong results in major opens make him one of the most exciting prospects globally.
Photo: Mitar Djukanovic
Pranav Venkatesh (18), representing `Team MGD1` and India. Pranav became India`s 75th GM in 2022 and most recently clinched the prestigious World Junior Chess Championship title in March 2025. His gold medals in youth rapid and blitz championships further attest to his prowess in faster time controls.
Photo: Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha
Sarbartho Mani (9), an Indian Arena FIDE Master listed with the `Freedom` team, which notably features none other than Viswanathan Anand. Sarbartho`s perfect 9/9 score to win the National Under-7 Championship in 2023, at the tender age of seven, hinted at his immense potential, now on display alongside chess legends.
The presence of these young stars injects an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability into the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships. They are not just the future; they are the active participants shaping the present, promising thrilling encounters as they battle against and learn from the world`s best. London is currently a melting pot of chess generations, showcasing the incredible depth of talent emerging on the global stage.
