Youngest chess grandmaster from Türkiye sets new record
Young Turkish chess grandmaster Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus in action, Ankara, Türkiye, July 27, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / gm.yagizkaan)
Chess grandmaster Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus has once again made history by becoming the youngest player to surpass the 2600 ELO rating at just 13 years old.
His recent performance at the Abu Dhabi Chess Festival secured this remarkable achievement. The Turkish Chess Federation celebrated his success, announcing, “Our star athlete Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, who holds the title of the world’s youngest grandmaster, has become the youngest player to exceed the 2600 ELO rating with his outstanding performance.”
This accomplishment adds to an already impressive list of achievements for Yagiz. In April of this year, at just 12 years, 9 months and 29 days old, he became the youngest grandmaster in the world.
In the final round of the Grenke Chess Open, needing only a draw to clinch the title, he instead chose to win the game against FM Marian Can Nothnagel, a 2381-rated player, securing his grandmaster title.
| Player Name | Country | Age at Grandmaster Title | Year Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Mishra | USA | 12 years, 4 months, 25 days | 2021 |
| Sergey Karjakin | Russia | 12 years, 7 months, 0 days | 2002 |
| Gukesh Dommaraju | India | 12 years, 7 months, 17 days | 2019 |
| Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus | Türkiye | 12 years, 9 months, 29 days | 2024 |
| Javokhir Sindarov | Uzbekistan | 12 years, 10 months, 5 days | 2019 |
He earned this title after securing his third grandmaster norm at the Grenke Chess Open in Germany, making him the fourth youngest grandmaster in history.
Yagiz’s consistent progress in chess has captivated the global chess community, and his latest milestone only strengthens his reputation as a prodigy.
Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus’ victory over chess legend Magnus Carlsen
Besides his 2600 ELO achievement, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus recently defeated Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the best chess players in history.
This victory came during an online lightning chess tournament, where Yagiz checkmated Carlsen in just 41.2 seconds. The win showcased Yagiz’s quick thinking and strategic prowess, earning him widespread recognition.
Yagiz’s success has not gone unnoticed by the Turkish Chess Federation. Gulkiz Tulay, the Federation’s President, expressed her admiration, saying: “Yagiz Kaan has once again demonstrated his incredible talent and determination. His achievement of surpassing the 2600 ELO rating at such a young age is truly remarkable. He is not only a rising star in Türkiye but also in the world of chess.”
Erdogmus had previously played a match against chess grandmaster and world No. 2 on FIDE, Hikaru Nakamura, and drew the game. American grandmaster had praised Erogmus during a livestream.
Very very talented junior player. I have played online chess my entire life but I’ve never played someone that young with that good play. He is legitimately really good. Very strong player.
Hikaru Nakamura, Chess Grandmaster, on Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus
Young Turkish chess grandmaster Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus in action, Ankara, Türkiye, July 27, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / gm.yagizkaan)
Chess grandmaster from Türkiye prepares for World Chess Olympiad
Yagiz’s rapid rise in the chess world positions him as one of the most promising young talents today. In September, he will represent Türkiye at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
As the youngest player on the Turkish national team, Yagiz is preparing to compete on one of the biggest stages in the chess world.
The Federation’s President, Gulkiz Tulay, expressed confidence in Yagiz’s future, stating, “We are proud of our young star. While Carlsen is currently the most recognized name in chess, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus could become the future face of the game.”
| Event | Date | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Grenke Chess Open | April 2024 | Secured Grandmaster title at age 12 years, 9 months, 29 days |
| Abu Dhabi Chess Festival | August 2024 | Surpassed 2600 ELO rating, becoming the youngest to do so |
| Online Lightning Chess Tournament | July 2024 | Defeated Magnus Carlsen in 41.2 seconds |
This remarkable achievement by Yagiz follows in the footsteps of another young Turkish talent, Ediz Gurel. In March 2024, Gurel became Türkiye’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 15, after securing his title at the Prague Chess Festival.
His victory came just before the final round, where he defeated Dutch player Erwin L’ami. The Turkish Chess Federation recognized Gurel’s accomplishment, emphasizing his dedication and extraordinary talent.
