The “Clash of Generations” lived up to its name, only this time, the future won. Turkish chess prodigy GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş defeated the legendary GM Peter Svidler with a final score of 4–2 in their classical match held in Marseille. With this landmark victory, the 14-year-old not only bested one of the most experienced players of his era but also boosted his live rating to 2642, placing him at No. 87 in the world.
A Young Star Shines Bright
Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus sealed the match in style, winning the sixth and final classical game with the white pieces. In a Ruy Lopez: Neo-Arkhangelsk Variation, he gradually outmaneuvered Svidler, displaying superb positional understanding and converting his advantage with precision.
The final scoreline:
- Game 1: ✅ Win as Black
- Game 2: 🤝 Draw as White
- Game 3: ❌ Loss as Black
- Game 4: ✅ Win as White
- Game 5: 🤝 Draw as Black
- Game 6: ✅ Win as White
This brings Erdoğmuş’s live Elo to 2642 – a staggering feat for someone who is still only 14 years old. Earlier in the match, he had already entered the Top 100 for the first time. Now, he climbs even higher, continuing his rapid ascent among the world’s elite.
A Win Beyond the Scoreboard
Peter Svidler needs no introduction: eight-time Russian Champion, former World No. 4, and a staple of elite chess for decades. For Erdoğmuş to defeat such a seasoned opponent in a classical match at this age speaks volumes not just about his potential, but about his present-day strength.
The match offered valuable lessons and exposure for Erdoğmuş, and entertainment for fans. The format of the match (100 minutes for 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20, then 15 minutes to finish, with a 30-second increment per move) allowed deep, strategic battles, and the young grandmaster delivered.
From 2626 to 2642: Every Game Counts
Here’s how each game impacted his rating:
| Game | Result | Rating Change |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 (Black) | Win | +6.0 |
| Game 2 (White) | Draw | +1.0 |
| Game 3 (Black) | Loss | –4.0 |
| Game 4 (White) | Win | +6.0 |
| Game 5 (Black) | Draw | +1.0 |
| Game 6 (White) | Win | +6.0 |
| Total | 4–2 | +16.0 |
Related Reading
- Learn more about Yağız’s background, rapid rise, and style of play in our feature:
Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş: The Chess Prodigy Shaping History - Erdoğmuş ranks No. 2 in our Top 10 Chess Prodigies to Watch in 2025, just behind Argentinian IM Faustino Oro. With performances like this, the gap might be closing fast.
What’s Next? Blitz Awaits
While the classical portion is over, the excitement continues. A day of blitz games is scheduled to conclude the Marseille event. Though those games won’t affect Erdoğmuş’s classical rating, they’ll be another chance to see this rising star in action.
A Standing Ovation
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to GM Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş, his team, and everyone involved in organizing this visionary match. Defeating a player of Svidler’s stature is a moment Erdoğmuş—and Turkish chess—will never forget.
And with this, one thing is clear: the future of chess has arrived.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet. Follow me on Twitter (X).
