The Next Generation of Chess Stars Ready for Doha
The World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha are just weeks away. This December, the chess world will turn its eyes to Qatar as rising talents compete with the biggest names in the sport.
Normally, tournaments like this focus on the elite — players such as Carlsen, Gukesh, Nepomniachtchi, and Caruana in the Open section, or Ju Wenjun, Goryachkina, Koneru, and Lagno in the Women’s section.
But this year, Doha is also about something special: a new generation stepping onto the world stage.
Teenagers — and even pre-teens — will take their seats beside the legends they admire. Many are already grandmasters. Some are national champions. All of them are hungry, fearless, and improving fast.
Here are the young stars to watch in Doha.
Rising Stars in the Open Section
Ivan Zemlyanskii
Born in 2010, GM Ivan Zemlyanskii already has a classical rating above 2590. In 2024, at just 13, he became the youngest Russian grandmaster in history. He continues to climb toward the 2600 milestone.
Savva Vetokhin
GM Savva Vetokhin, born in 2009, is a 2550+ grandmaster with an impressive list of youth titles, including World U10 and World U14 Blitz champion. His undefeated victory at Sunway Sitges 2024 proved he is a serious contender.
Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş
Born in 2011, GM Erdoğmuş is the fourth-youngest GM ever and the youngest player to reach 2600. His sharp attacking style, including the famous “Turkish Immortal” game, makes him one of Doha’s biggest attractions.
Ediz Gürel
GM Ediz Gürel from Turkey became a GM in 2024. He won bronze at the 45th Olympiad and shocked the world by defeating World Champion Gukesh in 2025.
Faustino Oro
Argentina’s IM Faustino Oro, born in 2013, is known as the “Messi of Chess.” He was the first player under 12 to cross 2500 and earn a GM norm.
Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov
Born in 2009, IM Suyarov is the reigning World Junior Rapid Champion. He has strong wins against grandmasters and will play the 2025 World Cup.
Aldiyar Ansat
IM Aldiyar Ansat from Kazakhstan, born in 2008, won the national championship and the Asian Zonal 3.4, securing his World Cup ticket.
Erdem Khubukshanov
Born in 2007, IM Khubukshanov has a 2500 classical rating and keeps scoring plus results in strong tournaments.
Ihor Samunenkov
GM Samunenkov from Ukraine, born in 2009, is one of the strongest U16 players in the world with a rating close to 2580.
Denis Lazavik
At 19, GM Lazavik is already a 2600-level player and one of the best young talents in online and rapid chess.
Bharath Subramaniyam
Born in 2007, GM Bharath is India’s 73rd grandmaster and one of the brightest young players in the country.
Lev Zverev
IM Lev Zverev, born in 2010, has a strong classical rating and even stronger blitz skills.
H Goutham Krishna
Born in 2010, IM Goutham Krishna made headlines by finishing runner-up at the Indian National Championship at just 15.
Roman Shogdzhiev
Born in 2015, IM Shogdzhiev is one of the most extraordinary talents in chess. At age eight, he famously defeated five grandmasters at the 2023 World Rapid and Blitz Championships.
Rising Stars in the Women’s Section
Afruza Khamdamova
WGM Khamdamova, born in 2009, is a double World Youth champion and one of the top teenage players in the world.
Zsóka Gaál
Hungary’s IM/WGM Zsóka Gaál, born in 2007, is a former European and World Youth champion. Her victory over GM Anna Muzychuk in 2025 proved her world-class strength.
Savitha Shri B
India’s IM/WGM Savitha Shri, born in 2007, is rapidly rising with a peak rating above 2430 and many international medals.
Yana Zhapova
FM Zhapova, born in 2008, regularly competes in strong junior and women’s events and is considered among the top U18 girls.
Zarina Nurgaliyeva
Kazakhstan’s WIM Nurgaliyeva, born in 2009, has crossed 2300 and earned medals at international youth competitions.
Elnaz Kaliakhmet
Born in 2010, WIM Kaliakhmet won the Kazakhstan Women’s Championship at just 14 and impressed at the Batumi World Cup.
Iren Lyutsinger
FM/WIM Lyutsinger, born in 2009, has strong results in youth events and a blitz rating close to 2400.
Kesaria Mgeladze
WIM Mgeladze from Georgia, born in 2010, is a multiple-time youth champion and qualified for the 2025 World Cup.
Anastasia Kirtadze
WIM Kirtadze, born in 2009, is a two-time Georgian U20 champion and a former World U14 Rapid champion.
Galina Mikheeva
FM Mikheeva, born in 2007, is the Asian Junior Girls Champion and a consistent performer in global events.
Diana Preobrazhenskaya
WFM Preobrazhenskaya, born in 2011, won the Russian Women’s Rapid Championship at just 14 — a massive achievement.
Alanna Berikkyzy
Kazakhstan’s WFM Alanna Berikkyzy, born in 2014, already has a 2200+ rating and wins regularly against stronger players.
A New Era in Chess
As older generations make their final push, these young stars are taking over with speed and confidence. Some may soon become regulars in elite tournaments. Others will rise step by step. But all of them represent the future of world chess.
About the Event
The FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships 2025 will be held in Doha, Qatar from 25 to 30 December. The venue is the Sports and Events Complex at Qatar University. Both Open and Women’s events will take place, with a combined prize fund of €1,000,000. Doha returns as host after nine years, reflecting Qatar’s growing role in world chess.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
