Alireza Firouzja, a chess prodigy originally from Iran, learned the game at the age of eight and quickly rose through the ranks under the tutelage of his brother, Mohammadreza, who is also a competitive player. In 2019, though still a teen, he moved to Chartres, France, in pursuit of broader horizons and is currently dabbling in fashion design studies in Paris, reflecting a knack for creativity off the board as well.

Alireza's gameplay is unmistakably bold and aggressive. He has a knack for mounting pressure that keeps his adversaries on their heels and showcases a profound strategic depth, often weaving complexities that challenge even the seasoned grandmasters. This style has not only defined his approach but has turned him into one of the most thrilling young players to watch in today’s chess circuits.

At each step, Alireza has decorated his career with notable milestones. He became the youngest Iranian to win the national chess championship at age 12 and earned the grandmaster title by 14. His trophy shelf includes the 2021 FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament and a gold medal at the European Team Chess Championship. In 2022, he reigned supreme over the Grand Chess Tour, underscoring his versatility and prowess across various formats and settings.

Alireza’s journey through 2024 has been a mixture of highs and lows. While encountering some stumbling blocks at the Candidates Tournament, he resiliently clinched a match against the eventual winner, Gukesh D.,. Beyond conventional time controls, he excelled, triumphing at the Bullet Chess Championship and dominating at the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz event, affirming his dominance in rapid and blitz formats and steadying his lead in the Grand Chess Tour standings.