Fischer shakes hands with the reigning world champion, Boris Spassky. While Fischer's peak rating of 2785 may seem low today, we must also remember that, leading up to the Chess Championship in 1972, he was 125 points higher than the then world number-two (and world champion!), GM Boris Spassky. champion at age 14, a grandmaster at 15, and a world champion at age 29. The American prodigy's fame skyrocketed after the " Game of the Century," which he played at the age of 13. While it is too early to pinpoint his distinct impact, which will yet evolve, let's take a look at how he compares to other champions who amazed the world in the past. Photo: Maria Emelianova/.įirouzja’s recent dominance in chess has already reached historic proportions. If he wins, he will qualify to play in the next world championship match.įirouzja wins seven out of his nine games at the European Team Championship. The other, Leinier Dominguez, took the lead with a perfect 3/3. After being one of just two players not to win a game on Day 1, he was now one of just two players to remain unbeaten on Day 2. Although unfortunately, this was some of the most difficult chess you could watch. I really hoped this would be one of the best lessons as it could be a great learning tool. After another two years, he is the world number-two and has already qualified for the next Candidates tournament after finishing first in the FIDE Grand Swiss. The rumours of my chess death probably have been slightly exaggerated said Garry Kasparov as he stormed back to defeat Sam Shankland and Levon Aronian on Day 2 of Chess 9LX in Saint Louis. In a fifty-three minute lesson titled, Simul, Kasparov takes on three players with ratings 1266, 1515, and 2103 in a simultaneous exhibition match. The Iranian-born and now French number-one player achieved the grandmaster title at age 14 and crossed the 2700-mark two years later. Image: 2700chess.įirouzja’s extraordinary rise to the top has been reminiscent of legends such as GM Bobby Fischer, GM Garry Kasparov, and even the current world champion.
Firouzja is now the world number two in the live ratings.