The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships are set to take place in London from June 10th to 16th. Now in its third year, the event has expanded significantly, introducing a Blitz competition, boosting the prize money, and attracting more teams. A key highlight this year is the participation of numerous young prodigies.
This championship welcomes teams with players across all skill levels, competing in both Rapid and Blitz formats. Featuring 55 participating teams, many boasting top Grandmasters, the event promises to be one of the most substantial and competitive chess assemblies London has ever seen.
Although there`s no rule mandating youth inclusion, many teams have chosen to feature young players. Notably, 9-year-old Sarbartho Mani is part of the favored Freedom team, while 10-year-old Roman Shogdzhiev joins the Rookies, a strong contender from the previous championship.
These young competitors are more than just participants; they are actively influencing the outcomes and represent a significant generational shift occurring in top-level chess.
Prominent Young Talents in London
Below is a look at some of the promising young talents expected to shine at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Teams in London:
Shreyas Royal (16)
Photo: English Chess Federation
Representing the `Rookies` team, this English Grandmaster, born January 9, 2009, became the youngest British player to achieve the GM title at 15 years and 7 months. His notable appearances include the 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss tournament and a sixth-place finish at the British Chess Championship in 2024.
Deborah Quickpen (13)
Photo: islandkey.com
From Nigeria, playing for `Mother Continent`, Quickpen began her chess journey at age three. By age 11 in 2023, she became the youngest ever Nigeria Chess Champion, holding the record for the youngest national title winner.
Bodhana Sivanandan (10)
Photo: Michal Walusza
This English Woman FIDE Master, on the `e-therapeutics` team, started playing during the 2020 lockdown. By March 2022, she had won silver medals in European Under-8 rapid and blitz championships. In July 2024, Bodhana became the youngest person ever selected for an English national team in any sport, representing England at the 45th Chess Olympiad.
Roman Shogdzhiev (10)
Photo: Lennart Ootes
Another `Rookies` team member, born February 4, 2015. Just ahead of the event, on May 25th, he became the youngest ever International Master at the age of 10 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Roman gained attention in December 2023 by defeating five Grandmasters at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships when he was just eight years old.
Faustino Oro (11)
Photo: Maria Emelianova
Playing for `Turkish Airlines Sports Club`, this Argentine International Master, born October 14, 2013, became the youngest player to achieve a classical rating of 2300 in 2023. In March 2024, he famously defeated Magnus Carlsen in a Bullet Brawl tournament. He held the record for the youngest International Master until May 2025.
Sofia Blokhin (19)
Photo: Eesti Maleliit
An Estonian Woman FIDE Master from the `Olala Stars`, born March 27, 2006. Blokhin is the reigning World Rapid Champion in the Girls Under-18 category (2024) and a multiple European champion. She has also represented her country in two chess Olympiads and was a reserve player at the 2023 European Team Championship.
Zsóka Gaál (18)
Photo: Michal Walusza
A Hungarian Woman Grandmaster from `Team Hungary`, born May 2, 2007. Gaál earned her WGM title in November 2024. She was the 2016 European Youth Champion (U10 girls) and the 2021 online World Youth Champion (U14 girls).
Marc`Andria Maurizzi (18)
Photo: Biel International Chess Festival
This French Grandmaster, born May 16, 2007, playing for `Knight Dance`, became the youngest French GM at 14 years and 5 days. In 2023, he shared first place in the World Junior Chess Championship. At the 2024 Tata Steel Challengers, he tied for second, and in February 2025, he won the strong Djerba Masters.
Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (13)
Photo: Mikael Svensson
A Turkish Grandmaster, born June 3, 2011, playing for `Generation XYZA`. Erdoğmuş achieved his GM title in April 2024 at 12 years and 10 months. In September 2024, he became the youngest player to cross the 2600 Elo mark. He has had notable successes at several strong tournaments, including Sunway Sitges 2023 and Grenke Open 2024.
Pranav Venkatesh (18)
Photo: Mitar Djukanovic
Representing `Team MGD1` and India, born October 13, 2006, Venkatesh became India`s 75th GM in 2022. Most recently, in March 2025, he clinched the World Junior Chess Championship title. He also has two gold medals in the U-18 section of the FIDE World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championship.
Sarbartho Mani (9)
Photo: Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha
An Indian Arena FIDE Master, born in 2016, Mani is listed as a player for the `Freedom` team alongside Viswanathan Anand. At seven years old, he won the 36th National Under-7 Open Championship in 2023 with a perfect score of 9/9.
Elton Marrow