Chess prodigies: The world's youngest chess phenoms of 2025
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In the ever-evolving world of chess, 2025 has become a standout year for prodigious talent. From kids barely into their teens to teenage grandmasters rewriting records, a new generation is reshaping how we think about intelligence, strategy, and global competition.
These ten players are not just future stars they are already making headlines today.
Aarit Kapil – Drawing Magnus Carlsen at age 9
Perhaps the most viral moment of early 2025 came when Aarit Kapil, a 9-year-old from Delhi, held world number one Magnus Carlsen to a draw in an online blitz game and was even winning at one point. The young player's confidence, speed, and positional control shocked viewers and signaled the rise of another Indian chess phenomenon.
Faustino Oro – The 'Messi of chess'
Hailing from Argentina and now based in Spain, Faustino Oro became an International Master at just 10 years and 8 months, the youngest in history at that time.
Known for his exceptional intuition and calm under pressure, Oro has even beaten Magnus Carlsen in a bullet match. His online presence and consistent tournament wins have made him one of the most followed young players globally.
Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus – Youngest Grandmaster in 2025
At only 13 years and 4 months, Türkiye's Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus crossed the 2600 Elo mark and earned his GM title. His games show a rare maturity, blending classical positional understanding with the courage to play sharp, aggressive lines.
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Erdogmus has quickly become a top contender in under-16 international events.
Ethan Pang – Breaking rating records at 9
Born in the UK, Ethan Pang stunned the chess world by surpassing a 2300 rating before turning 10, breaking records previously held by Oro. Ethan's opening preparation and rapid calculation make him a dangerous opponent even for titled players. Analysts predict he may reach the IM title in record time.
Roman Shogdzhiev – Grandmaster slayer at 8
In one of the most talked-about performances of 2024, Russian youngster Roman Shogdzhiev defeated five grandmasters during the World Rapid and Blitz Championships, all at just 8 years old.
His fearlessness and ability to outplay experienced professionals under time pressure make him a unique talent.
Luca Protopopescu – France's youngest hope
At just 9 years and 5 days old, Luca Protopopescu crossed the 2200 rating threshold, making him the youngest to do so in chess history. Known for his solid positional play and strategic endgames, Luca has already won the U-10 French national title and is now gaining international experience in top youth events.
Xue Haowen – China's next elite grandmaster
China's Xue Haowen earned his GM title in 2025 with a rating above 2500, making headlines with his consistent performance in European circuits. He won the Hastings Masters and several Asian youth championships, positioning himself as China's leading teenager on the global stage.
Aaron Reeve Mendes – Canada's international master
Aaron Mendes became Canada's youngest International Master in 2025 after a string of dominant performances at the U-18 level. With a solid peak rating, consistent results, and a calm, methodical style of play, he is now entering major international tournaments and gaining global recognition.
Ethan Vaz – Goa's youngest International Master
From India, Ethan Vaz became the world's youngest IM at just 12. With a peak rating of 2441 in 2025, he continues to grow as a serious contender in the junior circuit. His deep theoretical knowledge and tactical precision have brought him multiple youth championship medals.
A global reshaping of chess talent
What stands out in 2025 is not just the brilliance of individual prodigies but the global spread of talent. As they continue to mature and compete, these prodigies are expected to shape the elite landscape of chess for years to come. Whether you follow classical, rapid, or online blitz formats, these names are already worth knowing and watching closely.
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