The chess world got a fresh story at the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Uzbekistan. In round two, 14-year-old Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus from Turkey faced the reigning World Champion, D. Gukesh. Almost everyone expected the champion to win comfortably. Instead, the teenager played calmly and confidently, holding Gukesh to a draw in a thrilling battle.
The Game That Made Everyone Watch
For most of the game, Gukesh had the advantage. But then came move 40. A slip by the champion as he opened the door for Yagiz.
In that critical moment, the young grandmaster had a choice. Commentators, including the legendary Judit Polgar, pointed out at move 42 that if he had played Rook to g8, he might have even pressed for a win. Instead, Yagiz chose Rxf6, which secured a draw.
The result was a draw, but it was far from an ordinary half point. Facing the world champion for the first time in classical chess, Yagiz showed he could not only survive but also challenge him. The teenager left the board with 1.5 points out of two rounds, the same as the world champion.
Who is Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus?
So curious about his chess journey? Yagiz was born in Bursa, Turkey, in 2011. He first met chess thanks to a kindergarten teacher, and the game quickly became his passion. What followed is one of the fastest rises in modern chess:
- At 8 years old, he won the European Under-8 Championship with a perfect score.
- At 11, he crossed the 2400 rating mark, a level many adult masters never reach.
- At 12, he became a grandmaster, one of the youngest in history.
- At 13, he broke a long-standing record by becoming the youngest ever to reach a 2600 rating.
- And now, at 14, he has entered the world’s Top 100 players, ranked number 79 in September 2025.
Along the way, he has beaten legends in classical games, dazzled fans with bold sacrifices, and become the youngest grandmaster in the world today.
The Journey and the Lesson
Behind Yagiz’s success is a mix of talent, hard work, and support. He trains with some of the best coaches, including world top player Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. But his rise is also powered by family encouragement and his own love for the game.
For parents, his journey is inspiring. It shows what can happen when a child’s interest is supported from a young age. Chess teaches more than moves on a board. It builds patience, problem-solving, and confidence under pressure. For children, Yagiz’s story is a reminder that age is not a barrier. With passion and practice, even the youngest players can reach the top.
Just the Beginning
At only 14 years old, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus has already joined the world’s elite. He has faced the world champion and shown no fear. And his journey is only beginning. Whether or not he becomes a world champion himself, he has already written his name into chess history and inspired countless young players to dream bigger.
Follow The New England Chess School and get your kids enrolled in no time. With the help of our amazing coaches, your child can shine on the board and stay tuned for more inspiring journeys like Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus.