Players FTX Crypto Cup - Meltwater Champions Chess Tour 2022

The Armenian turned American has had a tough few years seeing the tragic death of his wife and his home country embroiled in conflict. But Levon Aronian is back with positive energy. The famously erudite but extremely laid-back star is seen as the joker in the pack of world chess: a supremely creative player who can better anyone on his day. But having reached world number 2 and become blitz World Champion, he has never fought for the ultimate prize. This could be his tournament.

GM

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

GM

The rise of Poland’s next big thing continues. In 2020 the 23-year-old from Kracow beat Carlsen twice, ending the World Champion’s 125-game unbeaten streak. Last year Duda knocked Carlsen out on the way to a stunning triumph in the FIDE World Cup and then in December he took silver at the World Blitz Championship in December. Without a doubt, Duda is the most exciting player to come out of Poland for some time. A real threat who is ready to do serious damage on the Tour.

GM

Jan-Krzysztof Duda

Jan-Krzysztof Duda

GM

The Norwegian king of chess has been called everything from “the Justin Bieber of chess” in his younger years to “the Mozart of chess” in more recent years. Now 31, he is a five-time World Champion having defended his title in style in December. He is also the reigning Tour Champion, the record highest rating in history and the holder of the longest unbeaten streak in history. He has won everything, but with that he has the added pressure of putting his reputation on the line with every game.

GM

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen

GM

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, or simply Pragg, is the boy with a big name and an even bigger future. Aged 12, Pragg narrowly missed out on breaking the record for the youngest ever Grandmaster. Now 16, this undoubted wonderkid is the jewel in the crown of the new Indian chess wave. Pragg qualifies by right having won last year’s inaugural Challengers Chess Tour ahead of Vincent Keymer.

GM

Praggnanandhaa

Praggnanandhaa

GM

The 18-year-old from San Francisco, California, is one of a crop of American talent who combines competitive chess with a successful streaming career. He won the World Open last year and broke through the 2600 FIDE barrier before scoring his best result of second in the US Open with an impressive 8/10. He has plenty of fans – and we will see why.

GM

Hans Niemann

GM

Alireza Firouzja

Alireza Firouzja

GM

The Dutch number 1 has a Twitter handle that’s as sharp as his play. Giri once had a reputation for drawing. But after taking the Magnus Carlsen Invitational title in a gripping final against Ian Nepomniachtchi, he is known for winning. Giri’s online prowess rocketed in 2021 as he took his game to another level. Can he go even higher this year? The 27-year-old, who became a dad for the second time last year, will be major threat. He will not be underestimated again.

GM

Anish Giri

Anish Giri

GM

Vietnam’s shining light, Liem is a speed chess specialist who did his country proud when he won the 2013 World Blitz Championship. The tour’s faster time controls suit his style perfectly and he is widely-considered a phenomenal tactical player. Liem reached the knockout stage in the 2021 New In Chess Classic and will be hoping to go deeper this time.

GM

Liem Quang Le

Liem Quang Le

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