“`html
London is currently abuzz with strategic battles as it hosts the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships. Now in its third iteration, this event has expanded considerably, featuring an increased prize fund and a larger roster of competing teams. While the tournament draws many of the world`s elite Grandmasters, a particularly exciting narrative this year is the prominent role played by an impressive cohort of young talents.
The championship is structured as a team event, open to players across all rating levels, competing in both rapid and blitz formats. With over 55 teams participating, featuring numerous top-tier players, it stands as one of the most significant chess gatherings ever held in the British capital. Interestingly, there are no specific mandates requiring teams to include younger players, yet many have chosen to do so, showcasing a clear recognition of emerging potential.
These young competitors are not merely filling slots on team rosters; they are actively influencing results and challenging established hierarchies. Their presence signals a dynamic generational shift within elite chess, where prodigies are making their mark far earlier than ever before. It`s a fascinating dynamic: veterans with decades of experience facing off against youngsters barely old enough to drive (or, in some cases, legally vote). The team format amplifies this, placing raw, precocious talent directly into the high-pressure environment of top-level competition, often alongside seasoned world-class players.
Here are some of the remarkable young stars making waves at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Teams in London:
Prominent Young Talents in London
At the tender age of 9, Sarbartho Mani represents the `Freedom` team, playing alongside none other than Viswanathan Anand. This young Indian player, born in 2016, demonstrated his potential by winning the National Under-7 Championship in 2023 with a perfect score. His inclusion in a top team highlights the faith placed in his burgeoning ability.
Another standout is 10-year-old Roman Shogdzhiev from the `Rookies` team. Born in February 2015, he recently made history in May 2025 by becoming the youngest International Master ever. Roman captured international attention in December 2023 when, at the age of eight, he famously defeated five Grandmasters at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships – a feat that still sounds almost mythical for someone so young.
Photo: Lennart Ootes
From England, 16-year-old Grandmaster Shreyas Royal also features for the `Rookies`. Born in January 2009, he became the youngest British GM in August 2024 at 15 years and 7 months. His prior appearances at events like the FIDE Grand Swiss underscore his rapid ascent and readiness for top-level play.
Photo: English Chess Federation
Nigeria`s 13-year-old Deborah Quickpen is competing for `Mother Continent`. Having started chess at just three, she became the youngest ever Nigerian Chess Champion in 2023 at age 11. Her national title victory at such a young age positions her as a significant talent from Africa.
Photo: islandkey.com
Also representing England is 10-year-old Woman FIDE Master Bodhana Sivanandan on the `e-therapeutics` team. Starting chess during the 2020 lockdown, she quickly achieved success, including silver medals at European youth championships in 2022. Notably, in July 2024, Bodhana became the youngest person selected for an English national team across *any* sport, representing her country at the Chess Olympiad. Her inclusion here, still only 10, is remarkable.
Photo: Michal Walusza
Argentine International Master Faustino Oro, aged 11, plays for `Turkish Airlines Sports Club`. Born in October 2013, he was the youngest player to reach a classical rating of 2300 in 2023. Demonstrating his audacious skill, he famously defeated Magnus Carlsen in a Bullet Brawl in March 2024. He held the distinction of being the youngest IM until Roman Shogdzhiev surpassed his record.
Photo: Maria Emelianova
Estonia`s 19-year-old Woman FIDE Master Sofia Blokhin competes for `Olala Stars`. Born in March 2006, she is the reigning World Rapid Champion in the Girls Under-18 category (2024) and a multiple European champion. Having represented Estonia in multiple Olympiads, she brings valuable international experience despite her age.
Photo: Eesti Maleliit
From Hungary, 18-year-old Woman Grandmaster Zsóka Gaál represents `Team Hungary`. Born in May 2007, she earned her WGM title in November 2024. With European Youth titles to her name, she is a formidable presence in the field.
Photo: Michal Walusza
France`s 18-year-old Grandmaster Marc`Andria Maurizzi plays for `Knight Dance`. Born in May 2007, he became the youngest French GM in May 2021. Sharing first place at the 2023 World Junior Championship and winning strong international tournaments like the Djerba Masters in February 2025 (with an astonishing performance rating), he is clearly ready to challenge the world`s best.
Photo: Biel International Chess Festival
Turkish Grandmaster Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş, aged 13, is part of `Generation XYZA`. Born in June 2011, he achieved his GM title in April 2024 at just 12 years and 10 months. In September 2024, he became the youngest player ever to cross the 2600 Elo mark. His incredibly rapid progress marks him as a potential future superstar.
Photo: Mikael Svensson
Representing India and `Team MGD1` is 18-year-old Grandmaster Pranav Venkatesh. Born in October 2006, he became India`s 75th GM in 2022. Most recently, he won the World Junior Chess Championship title in March 2025, adding to his two gold medals from the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championship (U-18 section). His recent triumphs make him a player to watch closely.
Photo: Mitar Djukanovic
The inclusion of these remarkable young talents adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships. They bring fresh perspectives, sharp calculations, and perhaps a touch of fearlessness that can rattle even the most experienced opponents. As teams battle it out in London, the performances of these rising stars will undoubtedly be a major storyline, offering a compelling glimpse into the very bright future of competitive chess.
“`
