Daniel Dardha is a highly talented chess grandmaster, known for becoming the youngest Belgian Chess Champion at just 13 years old. His chess journey began early, with a strong family influence—his father, Arben Dardha, a FIDE Master, has been his primary coach. Chess excellence runs in the family, as his grandfather also has a rich history in the game, coaching in Albania.

Dardha’s playing style is sharp, tactical, and mature beyond his years, blending solid positional understanding with a flair for dynamic play. By 2019, he had already secured his first national championship, earning the International Master title soon after. He continued his ascent by claiming the Grandmaster title in 2021, at 15, making him the youngest GM in Belgian history. His achievements didn’t stop there; he won the Belgian Chess Championship again in 2022, his third national title before the age of 18.

In 2024, Dardha remains a rising star in the chess world, with a peak FIDE rating of 2650 and a top world ranking of 86.