Born in the city of Perm and later moving to Moscow, Alexandra Konstantinovna Kosteniuk stands out not just for her profound chess skills, but also for her charismatic presence both on and off the chess board. Her journey into the world of chess began at the age of five, tutored by her father. This early introduction to the sport laid the foundation for a prodigious ascent through the chess ranks, culminating in her earning the title of Grandmaster in 2004, making her one of the few women to achieve this honour.
Alexandra's playing style is characterized by its creativity and aggression. Her powerful openings and keen tactical acumen make her a formidable opponent in any setting. This panache was prominently displayed in her conquest of the Women's World Chess Championship in 2008. Over the years, she has accumulated an impressive array of titles, including the Women's World Rapid Chess Champion title in 2021.
The year 2024 has seen Alexandra display exceptional form. Her FIDE rating as of September stands strong at 2483, reflecting her ongoing dedication and performance in top-tier chess competitions. Beyond the chessboard, Alexandra has made substantial contributions to chess as a cultural and educational tool, evident from her published works intended to inspire and teach the younger generation the intricacies of the game.
Also an advocate for peace and sportsmanship, Alexandra's involvement with the "Champions for Peace" club underscores her commitment to using her platform for global goodwill—a testament to her role as an ambassador of chess and sports, more broadly.
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.
