Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, the 14-year-old Turkish chess prodigy, has become the youngest ever grandmaster to achieve a 2700 rating, surpassing the previous record set a decade ago by China's Wei Yi at age 15. The teenager is already the highest rated player in history for ages 12, 13, and 14, and the youngest to break into the world top 50. While his new rating currently appears only in live daily rankings, it will become official when Fide publishes its monthly list for May at the end of the month.
Dominant Victory Over Topalov
Erdogmus crushed former world champion Veselin Topalov 5-1 in a match that showcased his exceptional skill. Topalov, who was world No 1 two decades ago and a Fide world champion, has been largely inactive since finishing seventh of 10 at Norway 2022, and the rust showed in his performance. For Erdogmus, this was his third significant match success, following a 4-2 victory against eight-time Russian champion Peter Svidler and a 3.5-2.5 win over France's Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. One of his wins from the 2025 Fide Grand Swiss in Samarkand has been dubbed the 'Turkish Immortal' due to its brilliant sacrificial conclusion.
Criticism and Ambition
Russia's top grandmaster, Ian Nepomniachtchi, accused Topalov of 'donating his rating' to Erdogmus, suggesting the Bulgarian was a 'very wise choice of opponent' to maximize the teenager's chances of entering the elite 2700 club. Erdogmus himself said, 'Reaching 2700 has been my dream for a long time. I am always trying to play good chess first. Now I'll try to reach 2800. That's my next goal. But I know it will take a lot of time and a good deal of hard work.' His sixth game against Topalov was particularly impressive, as he nursed a small advantage, eventually won a key pawn, and converted with precise technique.
Coaching and Support
Erdogmus's coach is Azerbaijan's former world No 2 Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who has guided him for the past two years. 'I want Yagiz to be the first 2900 player. That's our goal,' Mamedyarov said. 'People aren't aware of 5% of Yagiz's chess knowledge. He is at a level where he can play any opening he chooses from the moment he wakes up.' Financial support comes from Turkish billionaire entrepreneur Evren Ucok, whose backing has enabled Erdogmus to access top coaching and grandmaster competition. Ucok also supports a small number of other international talents, including Bodhana Sivanandan, who recently became England's No 1 rated female at age 11.
Next Tournament
Erdogmus's next tournament will be the annual TePe Sigeman competition in Malmö, Sweden, from 1-7 May. The field is headed by Magnus Carlsen, making one of his increasingly rare appearances in a classical event. Other significant entries include Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Arjun Erigaisi, and Jorden van Foreest. Carlsen has described Erdogmus as 'the best 14-year-old the world has ever seen'.
European Championship Surprise
The European individual championship in Katowice, Poland, ended with the most surprising result in its 26-year history. All previous winners were grandmasters, but the 2026 champion, Roman Dehtiarov, was still only an international master. At age 17, he became the youngest ever winner and the lowest seed, ranked No 126 in a record entry of 501 players. Dehtiarov, from Kharkov in eastern Ukraine, refused to abandon his father during the war, even when an evacuation to England was arranged. His victory earned him the grandmaster title, €20,000 first prize, and qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
World Senior Team Championships
England has sent a record 56 players to the World Senior Team Championships in Durres, Albania, across 12 teams. The England 50+ team, strengthened by GM Danny Gormally and eight-time British champion Michael Adams, is seeded behind the USA squad. After five rounds, the USA and Italy lead the 50+ category, while France leads the 65+. England's 65+ team includes GM John Nunn on top board. Play continues with round six on Saturday.
