Will Anyone become Grandmaster before age 12?
In 2021, Abhimanyu Mishra broke the record for world's youngest Grandmaster, earning the title at just 12 years, 4 months. For much of his childhood Mishra has been a chess prodigy and will likely be one of the world's top players in a few short years. Mishra's success at such a young age is unprecedented but with chess growing and expanding, and competitors getting younger and younger, one has to wonder if his record is breakable. Today I will look at some possible candidates and their chances to break the record.
FM Faustino Oro- 10 years old
Oro is an Argentinian prodigy who has recently earned his FM title and is currently at a rating of 2316. In fact, he was the youngest player to ever reach 2300. This puts his on a similar pace as Mishra who was near 2300 when he was ten. While Oro has a chance to break the record, he will first have to get the IM title and will have to continue to increase his rating like Mishra did.
CM Ethan Guo-10 years old
Guo is one of the top Americans in his age group and has won his grade at grade nationals. Guo is definitely behind Mishra with his Fide rating at around 1950, but it might be easier for him to play in more big tournament because he lives in the US. Whether he reaches the record or not, Guo is still a huge chess prodigy.
NM Kushal Jakhria- 8 years old
Kushal has been one of the top players in England for a while now. He was London's U8 champion at just 5 and he also won Gold for his age at the World Rapid and Blitz youth championship. Jakhria is probably the furthest away at a rating of 1949, but he has 4 years to get to GM. I think of all the players he might have the best chance because of his high level of play at such a young age.
Let me know who else you think will be the next prodigy!
Thanks for reading!
God Bless!
Further Sources:
https://ratings.fide.com/profile/497444
https://ratings.fide.com/profile/30976359
https://www.ecfrating.org.uk/v2/new/player.php?ECF_code=340047F
