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Future of Chess: Clash of Generations at the Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand
The chess world is preparing for an exciting showdown. The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan this September. It is one of the strongest and most prestigious Swiss System tournaments in history.
Top grandmasters and rising young stars will battle here. Experience will clash with youthful energy. The stage is set for surprises, records, and unforgettable games.
Young Champions Changing Chess
Chess success is arriving earlier than ever. In 1958, Bobby Fischer shocked the world by becoming a Grandmaster at 15. Later, Judit Polgar, Ruslan Ponomariov, and Sergey Karjakin lowered the record. In 2021, Abhimanyu Mishra broke all barriers by becoming a GM at just 12 years and 4 months.
Today, the trend continues. Yagız Kaan Erdoğmuş of Türkiye crossed the 2600 rating before age 13. India’s Gukesh D became World Champion at just 18. Britain’s Bodhana Sivanandan defeated a GM at age 10. The age of mastery keeps dropping.
With support from families, federations, and computer training, young players are reaching world-class levels earlier than ever. The Grand Swiss in Samarkand will be the next battlefield where they test their skills against legends.
Rising Stars to Watch – Open Section
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Volodar Murzin (Russia, 19) – Grandmaster since 2022. Winner of the World Rapid 2024, defeating Caruana, Nakamura, and Duda.
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Raunak Sadhwani (India, 19) – GM at 13. Olympiad bronze medalist. A confident player always near the top.
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Jonas Buhl Bjerre (Denmark, 21) – European Youth Champion and Tata Steel Challengers star.
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Ediz Gürel (Türkiye, 16) – GM at 14. Winner of Prague Chess Festival Challengers 2024.
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Yagız Kaan Erdoğmuş (Türkiye, 14) – Record-breaking GM and youngest ever to cross 2600 rating. Already in the world’s Top 100.
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Abhimanyu Mishra (USA, 15) – Youngest Grandmaster in history. Looking for his big breakthrough.
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Marc’Andria Maurizzi (France, 18) – World Junior Champion 2023. Winner at Tata Steel and Djerba Masters.
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Pranav V (India, 18) – Current Junior World Champion. Key member of India’s Rapid Teams gold-winning squad.
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Aditya Mittal (India, 19) – Beat both Keymer and Erigaisi at just 15. Dangerous opponent for anyone.
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Ihor Samunenkov (Ukraine, 16) – Former U-12 World Champion. Returning stronger for his second Grand Swiss.
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Mukhiddin Madaminov (Uzbekistan, 18) – Home favorite. Known for sharp play and memorable victories.
Rising Stars to Watch – Women’s Section
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Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakhstan, 21) – Two-time Women’s World Blitz Champion.
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Polina Shuvalova (Russia, 24) – Consistent performer in top women’s events.
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Vaishali Rameshbabu (India, 24) – Reigning Women’s Grand Swiss Champion.
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Carissa Yip (USA, 21) – Three-time US Women’s Champion.
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Leya Garifullina (Russia, 20) – Former U-16 World Champion.
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Teodora Injac (Serbia, 25) – 2025 European Women’s Champion.
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Lu Miaoyi (China, 15) – National Champion and top junior.
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Afruza Khamdamova (Uzbekistan, 18) – Double World Youth Champion.
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Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgaria, 22) – 2023 World Cup finalist.
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Zsóka Gaál (Hungary, 17) – Young Woman Grandmaster with a strong youth record.
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Meruert Kamalidenova (Kazakhstan, 21) – World Youth Champion, rising star of Kazakhstan.
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Eline Roebers (Netherlands, 19) – Former Dutch Women’s Champion and top junior.
About the FIDE Grand Swiss
The Grand Swiss takes place every two years. It brings together the strongest players in the world for 11 rounds of classical chess.
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2019 – Wang Hao won in Isle of Man.
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2021 – Alireza Firouzja (Open) and Lei Tingjie (Women’s) won in Riga.
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2023 – Vidit Gujrathi (Open) and Vaishali Rameshbabu (Women’s) triumphed.
Now, in 2025, all eyes turn to Samarkand. Will experience dominate again, or will the next generation rise to the top?
One thing is certain: the Grand Swiss 2025 will be a turning point in the future of chess.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
