Youngest Talents of 2025 | The New Golden Generation

The year 2025 will be remembered as a shining era for young chess talents — a time when a generation raised on databases, engines, and endless online tournaments finally took over the world stage.

Top Names to Watch

Gukesh Dommaraju (India, 19)

By now, every chess fan knows the name Gukesh. In December 2024, he became the youngest World Chess Champion in history, defeating Ding Liren — a moment that redefined modern chess. Calm, disciplined, and fearless, Gukesh is the face of India’s new chess revolution and a symbol of what relentless focus can achieve.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan, 20)

A fierce tactician and natural leader. Abdusattorov shocked the world when he won the World Rapid Championship at just 17, outplaying Carlsen, Nakamura, and Caruana. Now a consistent 2700+ player, he continues to set the standard for creative, fighting chess — always ready to strike when others hesitate.

Alireza Firouzja (Iran/France, 21)

Still only 21, Firouzja remains a symbol of pure talent and ambition. He crossed 2800 as a teenager and is known for his sharp, uncompromising play. Few players combine calculation and chaos quite like him — every game feels like a battle for art as much as victory.

Vincent Keymer (Germany, 20)

Germany’s rising star. Keymer has steadily climbed the ranks with composure well beyond his years, representing the blend of intelligence, patience, and precision that defines the European school of chess.

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu (India, 20)

“Pragg” — one of the most beloved names in modern chess. He reached the World Cup Final, defeated Carlsen multiple times online, and continues to inspire millions. His maturity and humility make him both a contender and a role model for young players everywhere.

Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (Turkiye, 14)

Born in 2011, Yağız became an International Master before turning 12, and now stands among the youngest Grandmasters in history. His maturity over the board is striking — his moves, quiet but lethal. For Turkey, he represents a dream finally materializing.

Faustino Oro (Argentina, 12)

Perhaps the most exciting name of all — Faustino Oro. The Argentinian prodigy stunned the world at the 2025 World Cup in India, winning in tiebreaks against seasoned masters. Already known for online victories over Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, his composure, speed, and strategic depth have earned him comparisons to the greatest prodigies in chess history.

As the current chess season unfolds, we’ll see whether these prodigies can maintain their momentum or if a new wave of even younger talents will rise to challenge them.