13-Year-Old Sevian Becomes Youngest Ever US Grandmaster

ST LOUIS, MO – It’s a new low for chess’ highest achievement. On Saturday at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, 13-year-old American
Armenian Sam Sevian completed the final requirement to earn the title of Grandmaster, the highest title a chess player can attain, Fox 2 News reports.

He is now the youngest American Grandmaster in history. Sevian is 13 years, 10 months and 27 days. The previous record was 14 years, 11 months and 16 days set by Webster University student Ray Robson.

Sevian, who is from Boston, had already completed his three “norms,” or superior performances in high-level tournaments, required by FIDE, the World Chess Federation. He just needed to top a strength rating of 2500 to earn the Grandmaster title. He was just 16 points shy of the mark when he arrived in St. Louis Friday to compete in the CCSCSL Invitational. He won his first four games giving him the points needed.

Once you earn Grandmaster status, you have it for life.