FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky has identified three teenage chess talents as likely to enter the world's top 10 rankings by 2030. Argentina's Faustino Oro and Turkey's Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus have received praise from Magnus Carlsen, while American Andy Woodward is noted for his dedication. Sutovsky cautions that emulating Carlsen's dominance remains a significant challenge.
Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian grandmaster, has maintained the top spot in chess rankings for over 15 years, excelling across all formats of the game. Previous generations of players have struggled to match his level of dominance, prompting questions about whether emerging talents can rise to similar heights.
In a recent interview with ChessBase India's Sagar Shah, FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky discussed promising young players. He named Argentina's Faustino Oro, Turkey's Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, and America's Andy Woodward as the three prodigies poised to become among the best in the world.
Sutovsky highlighted recent endorsements from Carlsen, stating, “Magnus also was of a very high opinion of Oro few days ago and now he’s of Erdogmus. I think all these guys are exceptional talents but it’s tad too early to claim they would be next Magnus or similar to that.”
He predicted strong progress for Oro and Erdogmus, both in their early teens, saying, “Both Erdogmus and Oro would make into top 10 that’s for sure. Top five very likely because after all, if they are already best in this age group so what will happen in three or four years? The generation who are much older than them they will start fading away and then they’re best around this age so it’s natural to expect them by the year 2030 to be in top five for sure. But to be a dominating player like Magnus is very difficult feat.”
Regarding Woodward, Sutovsky added, “I will also add Andy Woodward. I like how he plays. I like very much his attitude. He’s very devoted to the game. So, I would surely think that both Erdogmus and Oro but also Woodward belong to a top 10 list for 2030 or maybe earlier.”
While optimistic about their entry into elite rankings, Sutovsky emphasized that it is premature to determine if they can replicate Carlsen's storied career, regarded as one of the greatest in chess history.
