Valentina Evgenyevna Gunina, originating from the chilly climes of Murmansk, has carved a name for herself in the global chess community with a series of stunning victories and relentless dedication to the game. Her journey from a precocious talent in youth championships to a decorated grandmaster is a testament to her skill and tenacity.

Gunina's chess career began early, with her first major victory in the 2000 European Under-12 Girls Championship. This early success was a harbinger of the dominance she would exhibit on the junior circuit, later securing titles in the World and European Youth Championships across various age categories. Her transition to adult competitions was equally impressive, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her aggressive playstyle has served her well in fast-paced formats, as evidenced by her two World Blitz Chess Championships titles in 2012 and again in 2023.

Over the years, Gunina has accumulated an impressive array of titles, including three European Individual Women’s Championships. Her role in the gold medal-winning Russian teams at various team championships, including the Chess Olympiads and the European Team Championships, highlights her ability to contribute significantly in team settings as well.

Valentina’s capacity to excel in mixed competitions was notably displayed at the 2016 London Chess Classic Super Rapidplay Open, where she triumphed over several top 100 grandmasters, a rare and remarkable achievement highlighting her skill and strategic flexibility. In 2019, she added another prestigious title to her collection by winning the inaugural Cairns Cup, a victory marking her as one of the leading female chess players in the world.

Her recent form has been stellar. In December 2023, Valentina claimed her second Women's World Blitz Chess Championship with an impressive +12-1=4 score.

Valentina’s contributions to chess extend beyond the board. In 2014, she was awarded the Medal of the Order "For Merit to the Fatherland", 1st class, recognizing her vast contributions to the sport.

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.