Hungarian chess grandmaster Judit Polgar made history as the youngest grandmaster at age 15 and the only woman to reach the final stage of a World Chess Championship. An upcoming documentary, Queen of Chess, explores her remarkable career and challenges. The film, directed by Rory Kennedy, features discussions on her inspiring story.
Judit Polgar, the Hungarian chess prodigy, achieved a milestone by becoming a grandmaster at just 15 years old, the youngest ever at the time. She also broke barriers as the only woman to compete in the final stages of a World Chess Championship, challenging the male-dominated world of professional chess.
The upcoming documentary Queen of Chess delves into Polgar's life, showcasing her pursuit of greatness and the obstacles she faced throughout her career. Directed by Rory Kennedy, the film captures the essence of Polgar's journey from a young talent to a trailblazing figure in chess history.
In a recent podcast episode published on February 4, 2026, Polgar and Kennedy discuss the challenges she encountered and highlight the inspiring elements of her story that the documentary will portray. This project aims to bring her untold narrative to a wider audience, emphasizing her contributions to chess and gender equality in the sport.
Polgar's achievements continue to inspire, as the film promises to reveal more about her relentless drive and the personal stories behind her successes.