Armenia is a small country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia with a population of approximately three million people. However, despite its size, Armenia is home to some of the world’s best chess players.
In fact, Armenia is currently ranked 11th in the World Chess Federation’s (FIDE) rankings and has consistently been among the top 30 countries in the world in chess since the early 2000s.
Notable Armenian chess grandmasters include Levon Aronian, Sergei Movsesian, Tigran Petrosian, and many more. These players have achieved amazing success in international competitions and have become an inspiration for chess players around the world.
We will take a look at some of the top chess players from Armenia, their accomplishments, and their influence on the world of chess.
1. Gabriel Sargissian
Gabriel Eduardi Sargissian is an accomplished Armenian chess grandmaster. He is an incredibly successful player, having been part of the winning Armenian teams in the Chess Olympiads of 2006, 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Team Chess Championship in 2011.
This is an impressive feat, as it highlights his consistently high level of play across multiple international tournaments. Sargissian has earned many accolades in his career. He has won the Armenian Chess Championship six times, in 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2013.
He was also awarded the Chess Oscar, an annual award to the best-performing chess player of the year, in 2008. Additionally, Sargissian achieved the Grandmaster title in 2001. The Armenian chess grandmaster has also achieved success in international tournaments.
He has won the Reykjavik Open, one of the oldest and most prestigious chess tournaments in the world, four times. In 2009, he took home the gold medal at the World Team Championship in Bursa, Turkey.
Sargissian also has several other tournament wins, including the Capelle La Grande Open, Politiken Cup and Politiken Cup Rapid. Overall, Gabriel Eduardi Sargissian is an incredibly gifted chess player, having achieved immense success in both domestic and international tournaments.
He is a six-time Armenian Chess Champion, a four-time Reykjavik Open winner, and a gold medalist at the World Team Championship in Bursa, Turkey.
Sargissian has also been awarded the prestigious Chess Oscar, a testament to his impressive skill and accomplishments in the game of chess.
2. Lilit Mkrtchian
Lilit Mkrtchian is a shining example of a successful chess player. She is a renowned Armenian chess player and is highly respected in the chess world. Mkrtchian has achieved two prestigious titles from FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs, or World Chess Federation).
She was awarded the title of International Master in 2003 and Woman Grandmaster in 1998. Mkrtchian’s achievements don’t end there. She is also a four-time winner of the Armenian Women’s Chess Championship. This is a testament to her skill and commitment to the game.
Her success has brought her great recognition in the chess world, as well as her home country. Mkrtchian is an inspiration to aspiring chess players all over the world.
Despite the challenges of competing in a male-dominated sport, she has been able to reach the pinnacle of success. Her career achievements speak for themselves, and her passion and dedication to the game are truly admirable.
3. Hrant Melkumyan
Hrant Melkumyan is an Armenian chess master of international caliber. He achieved the highest level of chess mastery, the Grandmaster title, in 2011. His career highlights include winning the European Blitz Championship in 2011.
Melkumyan is the first Armenian to win the title, and he has represented his country in several important chess events. Along with the European Blitz Championship, Melkumyan has also won multiple Armenian Chess Championships and the Armenian Blitz Chess Championship.
He has also had success in international chess tournaments, including the European Individual Chess Championship, the World Team Chess Championship, and the European Team Chess Championship.
His best result in a FIDE-rated event was his shared first place at the 2019 Gibraltar Masters. In addition to being a chess master, Hrant Melkumyan is also an International Arbiter and a chess trainer.
He has trained and mentored several young Armenian chess players, helping them to sharpen their skills and reach their goals.
He has also served as an arbiter for numerous international tournaments, helping to ensure a fair and smooth running of the events. Overall, Hrant Melkumyan is an accomplished chess player who has achieved success in many different fields.
He is an inspiration to aspiring chess players everywhere, and his story is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication to achieve greatness.
4. Sergei Movsesian
Sergei Movsesian is a highly skilled Armenian chess player who achieved the title of Grandmaster by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) in 1997.
This title is one of the highest honors a chess player can receive and is only awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional skill in the game. Movsesian was part of the gold-medal-winning Armenian team at the 2011 World Team Chess Championship in Ningbo, China.
Throughout most of his chess career, Movsesian played for the Czech Republic, a country known for its strong chess players. As a result, he has had the opportunity to compete with some of the best players in the world and hone his skills to become one of the best in the game.
His impressive track record includes numerous tournament victories, making him a respected figure in the chess world.
5. Robert Hovhannisyan
Robert Hovhannisyan is an Armenian chess player who has achieved a great deal of success in his career. In 2010, he was awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE, the international governing body for chess.
This was a major accomplishment for Robert, as it is the highest title a chess player can receive. In January 2011, Robert won the 71st Armenian Chess Championship, further solidifying his status as one of the top chess players in Armenia.
Later in the year, in July, he was a member of the gold-medal-winning Armenian team at the World Team Chess Championship in Ningbo. This was an impressive achievement, as the competition included teams from all over the world.
Robert’s success at the event helped contribute to Armenia’s first place finish. Overall, Robert has had an impressive career in chess, and his accomplishments are a testament to his skill and dedication.
His success at the Armenian Chess Championship and World Team Chess Championship are major milestones in his career, and he has earned the respect of chess players everywhere.
6. Manuel Petrosyan
Manuel Petrosyan is an Armenian chess player who is highly respected and accomplished in the world of chess. He was awarded the title of Grandmaster in recognition of his exceptional chess achievements.
Petrosyan is a successful chess player, having won the 2022 Armenian Chess Championship and the Under-18 World Youth Chess Championship in 2016.
He also had a very close second-place finish in the World Junior Chess Championship of 2017, making him a formidable player even at an international level. Petrosyan’s successes demonstrate his commitment to the game and his dedication to excellence.
He is an inspiration to all aspiring chess players and shows the potential of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
7. Elina Danielian
Elina Danielian is an accomplished chess grandmaster and a highly decorated Armenian women’s champion. She has won six Armenian championships and represented Armenia in twelve Women’s Chess Olympiads.
She is a true champion of the game and her most impressive achievement was her part in the gold medal-winning Armenian team at the 5th Women’s European Team Chess Championship in Plovdiv 2003.
Her dedication and commitment to the game and her country have earned her widespread recognition and admiration. She is a true role model to aspiring chess players, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can go a long way.
8. Tigran L. Petrosian
Tigran Levoni Petrosian is an Armenian chess player who has achieved great success in the game. He was awarded the title of grandmaster by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) in 2004.
Tigran is a two-time national champion of Armenia and has competed in two Chess Olympiads. At these international competitions, he won the team gold medal in 2008 and again in 2012. His success at the Chess Olympiads is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
He is a highly respected figure in the chess world, and his accomplishments have made him an inspiration to aspiring chess players.
9. Rafael Vaganian
Rafael Artemovich Vaganian is a renowned Armenian chess player who has achieved the highest ranking in the sport, the title of Grandmaster. He has won several prestigious awards, including the Soviet Championship in 1989.
Vaganian has a long history of playing competitive chess, having competed in tournaments around the world since the 1970s and becoming a Grandmaster in 1981.
He is well-respected in the chess world, having won several international tournaments and being a member of the Armenian chess team since 1983. Vaganian has also coached and mentored many young chess players, helping them to reach their potential in the sport.
His legacy as one of the greats of the game will certainly live on.
10. Zaven Andriasian
Zaven Andriasian is a highly successful and accomplished Armenian chess player. He began playing at a young age and achieved great success in the chess world. He won the World Junior Chess Championship in 2002, making him the youngest Armenian to ever win the title.
He also earned the title of Grandmaster in 2005, making him the first Armenian to do so. He has since gone on to become one of the top players in the world. Throughout his career, Zaven has achieved numerous successes.
He has won multiple tournaments, including the 2017 European Individual Championship and the 2018 Armenian Championship. He has also competed in numerous international events, such as the World Cup and Grand Prix.
In 2019, he was selected to represent Armenia in the Chess Olympiad. Zaven has also been involved in numerous charity initiatives. He is a strong advocate for chess in Armenia and has worked to promote chess in the country.
He has also supported numerous charitable organizations that help children learn and play chess. Zaven is an inspiring and accomplished chess player. His successes have made him a role model for aspiring Armenian chess players.
He has achieved great success and continues to work to promote chess in Armenia.
11. Ashot Nadanian
Ashot Nadanian is a well-known chess master, theoretician and coach from Armenia. He is known for his impressive skills in opening theory and coaching.
Two of his most famous chess variations, the Nadanian Variation in the Grünfeld Defence and the Nadanian Attack in the Queen’s Pawn Opening are named after him. The Grünfeld Defence is a chess opening which is characterized by the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6.
The Nadanian Variation is a variation of this opening which was developed by Ashot Nadanian and is characterized by 3. Bg5 followed by 4. Nd2.The Queen’s Pawn Opening is characterized by moves 1. d4 d5.
The Nadanian Attack is a variation of this opening developed by Ashot Nadanian. It is characterized by the moves 2. c4 followed by 3. Nc3.Ashot Nadanian has achieved great success in the chess world.
He is a respected chess master, opening theoretician and coach and his contributions have been acknowledged with the naming of two of his opening variations.
12. Arman Pashikian
Arman Pashikian is an Armenian chess Grandmaster who has achieved a remarkable level of success in the game. He earned the title of Armenian Youth Champion in 1997 and 1998 and went on to win a silver medal in 1999 and again in 2001.
He also achieved a fourth-place finish in the European Youth Chess Championships. His accomplishments have made him a well-known figure in the chess world, and a symbol of Armenian success in the sport.
Pashikian’s career highlights the importance of dedication and hard work, as he has consistently achieved high levels of success in the game. His excellence serves as an inspiration to others, showing them that anything is possible if you put in the effort.
13. Tigran Harutyunyan
Tigran K. Harutyunyan is an accomplished Armenian chess player who achieved the highest title in chess, the Grandmaster title, in March 2019. He was awarded this title by the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
As a Grandmaster, he is now considered a master of the game of chess and is respected among the chess playing community. Harutyunyan has been playing chess since he was a child and has participated in many tournaments throughout his career.
In 2018, he was the runner-up in the Armenian Championship and in 2019, he won the prestigious Armenian National Championship. He is the first player from Armenia to achieve such a feat. His Grandmaster title is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game of chess.
With this title, he will be able to participate in world-class tournaments and prove his abilities as a chess player.
He is now part of a select group of players who have achieved this title and is sure to be an inspiration to many other players who strive to achieve the same level of success.
14. Tigran Kotanjian
Tigran Kotanjian is a highly accomplished chess player. He is an Armenian Grandmaster, a prestigious title only a few are able to achieve.
He is known for his brilliant strategic play and has achieved a great level of success in the chess world. In 2014, Tigran Kotanjian achieved a great honor when he was named as the Armenian Chess Champion. This prestigious title is given to the best chess player in the country.
It is a testament to his skill and dedication to the game of chess. Tigran Kotanjian has continued to be a force in the international chess scene. In 2019, he won the Armenian Open Chess Championship and the Armenian Chess Cup.
He has also represented Armenia in multiple international chess tournaments, such as the European Team Chess Championship and the Chess Olympiad. Tigran Kotanjian is an exemplary chess player and his success in both the national and international chess circuit is something to be admired.
His achievements are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game of chess. He is an inspiration to all aspiring chess players.
15. Levon Babujian
Levon Babujian is an Armenian chess Grandmaster who has achieved great success in the game. He attended the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, where he learned the game of chess and developed his skills.
Since then, Babujian has been the director of a chess school in the Malatia-Sebastia District of Yerevan, teaching others the game of chess. In April 2006, Babujian achieved the title of International Master, which is a prestigious title in the game of chess.
This title requires a certain number of Elo rating points to be earned, which Babujian was able to do. Finally, in January of 2010, Babujian achieved the title of Grandmaster, the highest title in the game of chess.
This title requires a certain number of Elo rating points to be earned, which Babujian was able to do. This great achievement has earned him the recognition of his peers and has made him a role model to aspiring chess players.
16. Siranush Andriasian
Siranush Andriasian is a remarkable Armenian chess player. She is an International Master and a three-time Armenian Women Chess Champion. Her success has been recognized internationally, having won a bronze medal at the European Team Chess Championship representing Armenia.
Her career has been marked by numerous accomplishments, such as her win at the World Open Women’s Blitz Championship in 2019 and her prominent showing at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2008. Siranush Andriasian began playing chess at a young age and has since become a prominent figure in the sport.
Her passion for the game has enabled her to excel, becoming an International Master in 2019.
This prestigious title requires stringent qualifications, making her achievement even more remarkable. In addition to her International Master title, Siranush Andriasian has won three Armenian Women Chess Championships.
Her success has been recognized internationally, having earned a bronze medal at the European Team Chess Championship for Armenia.
Her career has included many successes, such as winning the World Open Women’s Blitz Championship in 2019 and her impressive showing at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2008. Siranush Andriasian is a shining example of what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Her success in the sport of chess is a testament to her talent and perseverance. As an Armenian chess International Master, she stands out as an inspiration to the world.
17. Tigran Petrosian
Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian was an incredibly successful chess grandmaster, who was part of the Soviet-Armenian team. He was nicknamed “Iron Tigran” due to his defensive playing style, which was known for its strength and focus on safety.
Petrosian is also credited with popularizing chess in Armenia, promoting the game amongst the country’s citizens and raising its profile. Petrosian first achieved success in the early 1960s, when he became the World Chess Champion in 1963.
He held this title until 1969 and was the only player to do so with a Soviet-Armenian team. During this time, Petrosian’s defensive playing style was seen as particularly impressive, due to its focus on safety above all else.
This led to him being nicknamed “Iron Tigran”, and helped strengthen his reputation as one of the greatest chess players of all time. In addition to his success in chess, Petrosian is also credited with popularizing the game in Armenia.
He helped to promote the game to the citizens of the country and is seen as a major figure in the history of chess in Armenia.
Through his efforts, the game of chess has become increasingly popular in the country, and Petrosian’s legacy has been cemented as a result. Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian was an incredibly successful chess grandmaster, who achieved worldwide fame due to his defensive playing style and his work popularizing the game in Armenia.
His legacy as one of the greatest chess players of all time is undeniable, and he will be remembered for years to come.
18. Karen Asrian
Karen Asrian was an Armenian chess player who achieved the highest title of Grandmaster by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1998.
His accomplishments extended far beyond this title, as he was a three-time Armenian champion, and a member of the gold medal-winning Armenian team in the 37th Chess Olympiad. Karen Asrian’s dedication to the game of chess made him one of the most respected players in the world.
His achievements included winning the Armenian Chess Championship three times and being a part of the gold medal-winning Armenian team in the 37th Chess Olympiad.
Asrian was also awarded the title of Grandmaster by FIDE in 1998, which is widely regarded as the highest honor a chess player can receive. Karen Asrian’s legacy will live on for many generations to come.
His achievements and dedication to the game of chess left an indelible mark on the chess world. He was an exemplary leader for the Armenian chess community and a source of inspiration for other aspiring players.
Asrian’s skill and dedication will be remembered for a long time, and his legacy will continue to serve as an example to all chess players.
19. Ashot Anastasian
Ashot Anastasian was an Armenian chess Grandmaster, renowned for his impressive chess skills. He was particularly successful on the international stage, winning two team bronze medals and one individual gold medal at Chess Olympiads.
This success was especially impressive, considering the high level of competition at the Olympiads. On the March 2011 FIDE list, he had an Elo rating of 2556, making him the 14th highest rated player in Armenia.
His success was a testament to the level of skill and dedication he brought to the game of chess. He was an inspiration to many aspiring chess players in Armenia and around the world.
20. Vladimir Akopian
Vladimir Akopian is a world-renowned chess Grandmaster and a distinguished figure in the international chess community. He was born in Armenia and moved to the United States in 1994.
Akopian has won numerous competitions, including the World Junior Chess Championship and the World Team Chess Championship. He has also won several international tournaments, including the Russian Championship in 2001 and the Armenian Championship in 2006.
Akopian is an active member of the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), the world’s governing body of chess. He is currently ranked as one of the top 10 players in the world, according to the World Chess Federation (FIDE).
Akopian is a living example of the international recognition and success that can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He is an inspiration to both Armenians and chess players around the world.
21. Arshak Petrosian
Arshak B. Petrosian is a prominent figure in the world of chess. He is an Armenian chess player and National Coach and is known for his achievements in the sport.
In 1984, his skill and dedication were recognized by the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), the world chess governing body, when he was awarded the prestigious title of International Grandmaster.
In addition to this, Petrosian has also won two Armenian Chess Championships, in 1974 and 1976. This is a testament to his skill in the game. His success in these tournaments further demonstrates his exceptional talent in the game of chess.
Petrosian is an inspiration to chess players of all ages and backgrounds. His achievements in the game of chess are an example of what can be accomplished with dedication and hard work.
His accomplishments have shown that it is possible to reach the highest levels of the chess world. Petrosian’s success in the sport of chess is a testament to his skill and dedication.
His accomplishments are a reminder of the potential of the game of chess and the rewards that can be achieved with perseverance and hard work.
22. Artashes Minasian
Artashes Minasian is a renowned Armenian chess grandmaster. He is widely respected for his impressive achievements in the sport.
In 1991, Minasian tied for first place in the prestigious USSR Chess Championship, an event that brought together some of the best chess players in the world.
His success in the championship propelled him to international fame, and he has since become a six-time Armenian Chess Champion. Minasian’s success in the sport has earned him great respect from chess fans all over the world.
He is a true ambassador for the sport and a role model for aspiring chess players. His achievements over the years have made him a household name in the chess world and an inspiration to many.
23. Avetik Grigoryan
Avetik Grigoryan is an Armenian chess Grandmaster who was born in Yerevan, Armenia in 1989. At only 18 years old, he achieved the title of International Master and a year later, he became a Grandmaster.
He is widely recognized for his achievements in the chess world and is respected for his success. In addition to his impressive accomplishments, Avetik Grigoryan is also the founder and CEO of ChessMood, a chess education company.
This company provides resources to those looking to learn or improve their skills in the game of chess. Through his company, Grigoryan is devoted to helping others become successful in the game of chess and to make it more accessible to everyone.
24. Davit G. Petrosian
Davit G. Petrosian is an incredibly talented chess Grandmaster from Armenia. He has been playing competitively for many years and has achieved a great deal of success. In 2006, he won the B section of the Aeroflot Open, one of the biggest chess tournaments in the world.
Two years later, in 2008, he continued his success by coming first in the Autumn-1 Alushta tournament as well as the first league of the Armenian Chess Championship. Petrosian’s impressive achievements demonstrate his extraordinary skill and dedication to the game of chess.
25. Narek Seferjan
Narek Seferjan is an accomplished individual who is well-versed in multiple fields. He is a Russian by nationality but holds an ethnic Armenian background. Seferjan is a chess Grandmaster, as well as a journalist and scriptwriter.
He received a comprehensive education, having graduated from both the Russian State University of Physical Culture and the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
His studies in physical culture likely helped him to excel in chess, while his studies in the diplomatic academy gave him the knowledge to become a successful journalist and scriptwriter.
His accomplishments are a testament to his hard work and dedication and make him an exemplary role model.
26. Genrikh Kasparyan
Genrikh Kasparyan was a highly accomplished Soviet chess player. He is remembered as one of the greatest composers of chess endgame studies and is renowned for his contributions to the game.
Kasparyan was an Armenian by birth, but his name is often rendered in its Russian form, Genrikh Moiseyevich Kasparyan or Kasparian. He was a highly respected figure in the chess world, and his work is still studied and admired by players today.
Kasparyan was born in the city of Yerevan in Armenia in the year 1916. He was not a professional player and instead worked as a factory worker.
Despite this, he achieved a great level of success in the chess world, winning numerous tournaments and matches over the course of his career. He was also well-known for his composition of endgame studies, which are puzzles used to analyze and improve chess play.
Kasparyan was a member of a number of prestigious chess organizations, including the World Chess Federation, the Armenian Chess Federation, and the International Chess Federation.
He was also a frequent participant in international tournaments, taking part in some of the most prestigious tournaments and matches of his time. Kasparyan’s legacy is still felt in the chess world today.
His work is still studied by players, especially those interested in endgame studies. He was a highly respected figure in the game and his work is still admired by many. His name will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest chess players and composers of all time.
27. Varuzhan Akobian
Varuzhan Akobian is a renowned chess Grandmaster of Armenian descent. Born in Armenia, he later moved to St. Louis, where he currently resides.
His prowess in the game has been demonstrated through his participation in two Chess Olympiads, in 2006 and 2008, where he was part of the bronze medal-winning team representing the United States.
His achievements in the game have earned him recognition as one of the nation’s top chess players, and he continues to be a major contributor to the chess world.
28. Arsen Yegiazarian
Arsen Yegiazarian was a highly accomplished Armenian chess player. He had been playing chess since a young age and had developed considerable skill in the game.
In 2000, he achieved the title of Grandmaster in chess from the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs), the international governing body for the game.
This title is considered to be one of the highest honors that a chess player can receive and is only bestowed upon those players who have achieved an extremely high level of skill and expertise in the game. In 2011, Yegiazarian was awarded the title of FIDE Senior Trainer from the FIDE.
This title is given to those trainers who have demonstrated an advanced level of teaching ability and knowledge in the game. Yegiazarian had spent many years of his life teaching, training and mentoring fellow chess players.
This title was a recognition of his dedication and skill in the teaching of chess. Overall, Arsen Yegiazarian was an extremely talented Armenian chess player. He achieved the highest honors in the game and was recognized by the FIDE for his teaching and training abilities.
He was a true asset to the game of chess and will be remembered for his contributions.
29. Melikset Khachiyan
Melikset Khachiyan is a remarkable chess player from Armenia who now lives in Los Angeles. He began playing chess at the tender age of eight and in two years, he managed to win the Baku Junior Championship.
By the time he was twelve, he had become a Soviet candidate master, which is a huge achievement in the chess world. Khachiyan’s success at such a young age is a testament to his natural talent and dedication to the game.
His achievements have earned him the title of Grandmaster of chess, which is a prestigious honor in the chess community. His dedication to the sport is a great example for others to follow and he is sure to continue inspiring the chess world for years to come..
30. Nonna Karakashyan
Nonna M. Karakashyan is a remarkable woman who has achieved a great deal in her career. She is the first Armenian woman to be awarded the FIDE title of International Arbiter.
This title is highly sought after and is only given to those who have a deep knowledge of the game and the rules that govern it. In addition to this title, Nonna is also a chess player and coach.
She has been able to use her skills to make a name for herself in the chess world, and her last name may also be spelled as Karakashian. Nonna was a student of Honoured Trainer Suren Abramian, which is a testament to her dedication to the game.
Under his tutelage, she was able to develop her skills and gain the knowledge needed to become an International Arbiter. Her efforts have paid off, and she is now the first Armenian woman to hold this prestigious title.
Nonna Karakashyan is an inspiration to many who aspire to make their own mark in the world of chess. Her hard work and dedication have led her to be recognized as one of the most respected and knowledgeable people in the game.
She is a true example of what can be achieved with determination and a passion for the game.
Conclusion
Armenia has some of the best chess players in the world. From the country’s proud history in the game to its current successes, Armenian chess players have consistently shown themselves to be amongst the most formidable opponents in the world.
Players like Tigran Petrosian, Levon Aronian, and Garry Kasparov have all achieved great success in the sport, and have helped to put Armenia on the map as a nation of great chess champions.
