LÊ QUANG LIÊM

♟️ Who Is Lê Quang Liêm?
Lê Quang Liêm is a Vietnamese chess Grandmaster, international coach, and the 2023 FIDE World Cup semifinalist, best known for his sharp tactical style, consistent performances, and groundbreaking achievements in Vietnamese chess. He is also the former World Blitz Chess Champion, and currently serves as the head coach of the Webster University chess team in the U.S.

 
🧒 Early Life & Background
Born: March 13, 1991
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Learned chess at age 7
Became Grandmaster in 2006 at age 15
Studied at Webster University in the U.S. on a chess scholarship, majoring in Finance and Management
 
🏆 Career Highlights
🌍 International Titles & Milestones
World Blitz Chess Champion (2013, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia)

First Vietnamese player to win a world title in chess
Asian Continental Champion (2019)
Multiple-time Vietnam National Champion
Gold Medalist in SEA Games and Asian Games team events
🥇 Elite Tournament Results
2nd place at Dortmund Sparkassen Chess Meeting (2010) — a breakthrough performance
Regular top finisher in prestigious events like:

Biel Grandmasters Tournament
Abu Dhabi Masters
World Rapid & Blitz Championships
FIDE World Cup 2023 Semifinalist, defeating several top GMs including Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi
 
🎓 Coaching & Academic Role
Since 2019, Lê Quang Liêm has served as the head coach of Webster University Chess Team (USA) — one of the strongest collegiate chess programs in the world
Under his leadership, Webster has continued to dominate collegiate championships in the U.S.
He is widely praised for mentoring young talents and promoting education alongside elite chess
 
📈 Ratings & Rankings
Peak FIDE rating: 2740 (August 2017)
First Vietnamese player to break the 2700 barrier
Frequently ranked in the Top 30–40 players in the world
Currently the #1 ranked player in Vietnam and among Asia’s elite GMs
 
🎯 Playing Style
Known for:

Solid positional play combined with sharp tactical awareness
Excellent performance in rapid and blitz formats
Calm demeanor and strategic clarity
Strong in both open and closed positions, he adapts well across time controls and formats
 
🌏 Cultural & National Significance
Considered a national sports icon in Vietnam, Lê Quang Liêm has inspired an entire generation of young Vietnamese chess players
Frequently featured in Vietnamese media and honored for his international achievements
Helped elevate Vietnam's reputation in global chess
 
❤️ Personal Life
Humble, disciplined, and highly respected in both academic and chess circles
Balances roles as a top-level player, coach, and educator
Fluent in English and Vietnamese; enjoys reading and contributing to chess development globally
 
🏁 Final Thoughts
Lê Quang Liêm is more than Vietnam’s greatest chess player — he’s an influential figure in global chess education, a trailblazer in Southeast Asia, and a living example of how chess and academics can go hand in hand. With continued success as a player and coach, his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.