Picture this: A chessboard, a ticking clock, and a 12-year-old prodigy making moves that leave seasoned grandmasters in awe. Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, a name that’s starting to make waves in the chess world, is on the cusp of making history. At just 12 years, nine months, and 29 days, he is set to become the youngest grandmaster (GM) in the world, pending approval from FIDE, the chess governing body.
During the GRENKE Chess Open in Germany, where renowned players from around the globe gathered to compete, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus didn’t just participate – he excelled. He secured his third grandmaster norm, marking the completion of a critical milestone in chess. Despite his tender age, he finished 20th in a highly competitive field, showcasing a maturity and skill that belies his years.
But let's zoom out for a moment. Why is this a big deal? Well, to put it in perspective, becoming a grandmaster is akin to reaching the peak of Mount Everest in the chess world. It’s a title reserved for the best – those who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and strategic prowess. For a player as young as Yagiz, this achievement is nothing short of phenomenal.
Born in Turkey, Yagiz’s journey to becoming a grandmaster began when he was introduced to chess by his kindergarten teacher at the age of six. By the time he was eight, he had already won the U8 European Championship, and as a preteen, he topped the World U10 and U11 rankings. His meteoric rise continued, and by the age of eleven, he became Turkey’s youngest International Master (IM).
Fast forward to April 2024, when Yagiz clinched his final grandmaster norm at the GRENKE Open. “Yagiz has a hobby that he really likes. He is just enjoying it and is not focusing on the rest that much,” his father modestly remarked. This humble outlook, combined with a fierce passion for the game, has driven Yagiz to become one of the youngest to ever achieve this prestigious title.
Adding to the excitement, Yagiz is on the brink of another record. With an unofficial rating of 2553, he’s closing in on GM Judit Polgar’s 1989 record of 2555, which has stood as the highest rating for a player under the age of 13 for decades. He is set to compete in the Menorca Open, beginning soon, where he has the potential to surpass this mark.
Gulkiz Tulay, President of the Turkish Chess Federation, proudly stated, “Our successful national athlete achieved this success with his incredible discipline and hard work. I also sincerely congratulate his family, who has always been with him and made great efforts.” It's a testament to the collective effort and support surrounding this young chess star.
What makes Yagiz’s story even more captivating is the broader context of his achievements. Over recent years, the chess world has observed a notable trend: grandmasters are achieving their titles at younger ages. In the late 70s, the average age for new grandmasters was a ripe 30 years. Fast forward to 2024, and that average has plummeted to just under 21 years.
Experts suggest that the pandemic played a significant role in this shift. Former world championship challenger GM Peter Leko commented, “The technology is developing. All the online access, and during the pandemic we saw this [chess] boom that heavily contributed. The ones who started to play chess suddenly now have so much information.”
Indeed, like many young prodigies, Yagiz has leveraged online chess platforms and digital resources to hone his skills. His rapid ascent through the ranks is a reflection of the evolving landscape of the game, where information and training are more accessible than ever before.
Behind the scenes, Yagiz’s training regimen is nothing short of rigorous. His coach, GM Mert Erdogdu, speaks highly of his student’s dedication and talent. “He’s the best tactician I have seen in my life… He also has a very good feeling for dynamic positions. One inaccuracy and he is there to punish you.” The duo trains intensively, often working late into the night, balancing schoolwork with a demanding chess schedule.
Yagiz also enjoys the support of other top Turkish players and super-GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, who has been instrumental in his preparation. The collaborative effort, combined with Yagiz’s natural aptitude, has propelled him to new heights. As Erdogdu puts it, “Lately you can feel Mamedyarov’s incredible touch in his preparation. I believe everybody contributes to his advancement in their unique way.”
Reflecting on his journey, it’s clear that Yagiz’s love for the game has been a driving force. His performance in the ChessKid Youth Chess Championship in 2022, where he dominated the event with few losses, was a precursor to his current success. As FM Mike ‘FunMaster’ Klein remarked, “Even Magnus Carlsen never went through the SCC with so few losses. I also found him and his family to be quite humble. I really liked that they didn’t feel the need to chase the all-time record and just let Yagiz earn it in his own time.”
As he stands on the brink of setting new records and reshaping expectations, the chess world watches eagerly. Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus is not just a prodigy or a young grandmaster; he symbolizes the future of chess – a future where the boundaries of age and achievement are constantly being redefined.
In the words of his coach, GM Mert Erdogdu, “He is an unbelievable worker with high emotional intelligence. That likely helps him to understand his opponents during his games.” As the chessboard awaits his next move, one thing is certain: Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus’ journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are boundless.
