Sergey Karjakin
age
34
age became grandmaster
12
residence
Moscow, Russia
2016 World Championship Challenger
Sergey
The current record for the world’s youngest ever grandmaster is held by Sergey Karjakin.
In 2016, while challenging the World Champion Magnus Carlsen for the title. After a hotly contested November match in New York, Karjakin had a tied score against the world champion, but lost the match on playoffs. His defensive skills during the match earned him the playful title of Russia’s “Minister of Defense.”
Karjakin has no qualms about entering an endgame with a small disadvantage if he deems it his best option, as opposed to playing for complications. He is, however, also capable of aggressive play if the position demands it, such as in a 30-move victory over Veselin Topalov at the Gashimov Memorial 2017.
Sergey Karjakin was born in Simferopol on the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine. He represented Ukraine until 2009, when he changed federations and now represents Russia. He is a former World Blitz and World Rapid Champion. He has won team gold with team Russia during the 2013 and 2019 World Team Championships.
His incredible defensive play has earned Karjakin the nickname the “Minister of Defense.”
2019 Grand Chess Tour Winnings
$99,250
Tour Stops
- 1
2019 Côte d’Ivoire Rapid & Blitz
- 2
2019 Croatia Grand Chess Tour
- 3
2019 Paris Rapid & Blitz
- 4
2019 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz
- 5
2019 Sinquefield Cup
- 6
2019 Superbet Rapid & Blitz
- 7
2019 Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz
- 8
2019 GCT Finals London
| rank | tournament | points | prize money |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-7 | Côte D’Ivoire Rapid & Blitz | 3.5 | $7,500 |
| 8 | Croatia Grand Chess Tour | 5 | $13,000 |
| 5 | Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz | 6 | $12,500 |
| T-3 | Sinquefield Cup | 11 | $35,000 |
| T-1 | Superbet | 11 | $31,250 |
| Total | 36.5 | $99,250 |
