Latvia is home to some of the best chess players in the world. From awe-inspiring grandmasters to up-and-coming prodigies, the country has produced some of the top competitors in the game.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the biggest Latvian chess stars of all time. From popular players like Alexei Shirov to brilliant minds like Māris Krakops, we will explore the incredible talent that Latvia has to offer.
We will also take a look at the current Latvian chess scene and the top players of today. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best chess players in Latvia.
1. Dana Reizniece-Ozola
Dana Reizniece-Ozola is a prominent figure in Latvian politics and chess. She is the current Managing Director of the International Chess Federation, a position she began in 2021.
Before this, she was Minister of Economics and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Latvia, both roles she held for some time.
Her work in both of these areas have had a major impact on the country and its economy. Reizniece-Ozola is an accomplished chess player, having been part of the Latvian national team since the late 1990s.
She has also represented Latvia in numerous international tournaments and won several medals.
She has also been a strong advocate for the promotion of chess in her home country, organizing events and leading initiatives to encourage more people to take up the game. Not only has Reizniece-Ozola been successful in her political and chess career, but she is also a role model for many young people in Latvia.
She has shown that with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals no matter what their background is. She is a testament to the fact that anything is possible.
2. Laura Rogule
Laura Rogule is a remarkable Latvian chess player who has achieved incredible success throughout her career. She is a Woman Grandmaster, a title which is only bestowed upon the most skilled female players, and has held this title since 2002.
She has won the Latvian Chess Championship for Women an astonishing thirteen times, beginning in 2003 and continuing up until 2023. In addition to this impressive accomplishment, she has also won the World Girls Under-14 Championship in 2002.
With such incredible achievements, it is no wonder that Laura Rogule is considered one of the greatest female chess players in the world. She is a true inspiration to aspiring female chess players everywhere and her accomplishments will be remembered for many years to come.
3. Ilze Bērziņa
Ilze Bērziņa is a highly accomplished Latvian chess player, having achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster.
She has also had a great deal of success in her native country, having won the Latvian Chess Championship for women four times in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2019. The Latvian Chess Championship is an annual event held since 1971 and it is the most prestigious chess event in Latvia.
It is an incredibly competitive tournament, and Ilze Bērziņa has been able to come out on top four times in the past 15 years.
This is an impressive achievement, and it speaks to her talent and commitment to the game of chess. Ilze Bērziņa has also been successful on the international stage. In 2009, she won the silver medal at the European Women’s Individual Chess Championship.
She also took part in the Women’s World Chess Championship in 2010, reaching the second round. Ilze Bērziņa’s success is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the game of chess.
She is an inspiration to aspiring female chess players around the world, and her achievements serve as a reminder that anyone can achieve success with enough hard work and dedication.
4. Normunds Miezis
Normunds Miezis is a renowned Latvian chess Grandmaster. He is considered one of the most successful Latvian chess players of all time. He was born in Riga, the capital city of Latvia, in 1967. Miezis has achieved several impressive feats throughout his career.
He was awarded the Grandmaster title in 1991, becoming the first Latvian to receive this honor.
He has also won the Latvian Chess Championship four times and placed second in the World Junior Chess Championship in 1989. Miezis is a highly respected chess player both in Latvia and abroad.
He has represented Latvia in several international tournaments, including the Chess Olympiad.
He has also written several books on chess and has served as a trainer and coach to many aspiring chess players. Miezis’ passion for chess has inspired countless people to take up the game.
He is an example of a successful Latvian chess player who has achieved greatness and recognition in the chess world. His achievements are a testament to the potential of Latvian chess players.
5. Katrīna Amerika
Katrīna Amerika is an accomplished Latvian chess player, with a wide range of accomplishments. She holds the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) title of Woman International Master and has achieved success in a variety of competitions.
In 2003, she shared third place in the European Girls Under-12 Championship. Katrīna has also been a dominant force in Latvian Chess Championships for women, winning the competition in 2014.
She achieved runner-up status in 2011 and 2013 and has also placed third on three occasions. Her consistent success in the Latvian Chess Championships demonstrates her dedication and skill as a chess player.
Overall, Katrīna Amerika is a talented chess player who has achieved success in both international and regional competitions. She has shown herself to be a formidable opponent and a worthy champion.
6. Rolands Bērziņš
Rolands Bērziņš is a highly accomplished Latvian chess player who has earned the FIDE title of International Master. He is seen as a top player in the Latvian chess community and has been able to prove his skill by winning the Latvian Chess Championship.
Bērziņš is a talented player who has achieved many accolades and successes in the Latvian chess circuit. He has won tournaments all over Latvia and is known for his strategic approach to the game.
His success in tournaments and championships has earned him the FIDE title of International Master. In addition to this, Bērziņš has also won the Latvian Chess Championship, an annual tournament hosted by the Latvian Chess Federation.
This tournament is seen as one of the most prestigious events in the world of Latvian chess, and winning it is a prestigious accomplishment.
This victory is a testament to Bērziņš’s skill as a chess player and his commitment to the game. Overall, Rolands Bērziņš is a skilled and respected Latvian chess player.
His success in tournaments and championships as well as his victory in the Latvian Chess Championship have earned him the FIDE title of International Master. He is a respected player in the Latvian chess community and is seen as a top player.
7. Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Nekhemyevich Tal was an incredibly talented chess player and the eighth World Chess Champion. He was born in Latvia and is considered a creative genius and one of the most influential chess players in history.
Tal’s style of play was remarkable for its attacking and daring combinatorial approach. He was known for taking risks and playing with a lot of flair. He was a master of sacrificing pieces for tactical advantage, often leading to beautiful and unexpected combinations.
Tal was a renowned strategist, and his games are renowned for their intricate and complex combinations. His unique style of play has been an inspiration to many chess players and has been widely studied and analyzed.
Ultimately, Tal’s influence on the game of chess is undeniable, and he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest chess players of all time.
8. Alexei Shirov
Alexei Shirov is a chess player hailing from Latvia and Spain. He was one of the top players in the world in 1994, achieving the number two ranking.
In 1998, he won a match against Vladimir Kramnik, which allowed him to qualify as a challenger to Garry Kasparov for the classical world championship match.
Unfortunately, the match never took place as there was a lack of sponsorship. Shirov is a renowned chess player with an impressive list of accomplishments. He has competed in several international tournaments and has earned numerous titles.
He has also been the subject of several books and films, which have highlighted his successes and contributions to the game.
His match against Kramnik in 1998 was a significant event in his career and a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. Overall, Alexei Shirov is a highly respected chess player who has achieved a great deal in the game.
He has earned the respect of his peers and continues to be an inspiration to aspiring players. His efforts to qualify for the classical world championship match with Garry Kasparov is a testament to his commitment to the game.
Unfortunately, the lack of sponsorship prevented the match from taking place.
9. Vladimirs Petrovs
Vladimirs Petrovs was a Latvian-Russian chess player born in Riga, the capital of the Governorate of Livonia in the Russian Empire. He was born into a chess-playing family, but it wasn’t until the age of thirteen that he began to take the game seriously.
Even then, Petrovs showed great promise, advancing rapidly and quickly making a name for himself in the chess world. Petrovs was known for his aggressive and dynamic style of play.
He was also an excellent endgame strategist, capable of outmaneuvering even the most experienced players. As a result, he earned the respect of his opponents and became a much sought-after chess teacher and mentor.
Petrovs continued to make a name for himself in the chess world, winning several tournaments including the Latvian Chess Championship in 1929 and 1931. Throughout his career, Petrovs remained a dedicated student of the game.
He studied the strategies of the world’s best players and worked tirelessly to perfect his own techniques. He even wrote several chess books, which have become classics in the chess world.
Petrovs’s legacy has continued to live on long after his death, with his strategies still being studied and admired by chess players all around the world.
10. Arkadij Naiditsch
Arkadij Naiditsch is a chess grandmaster from Azerbaijan who has been a part of the international chess scene for many years. He was born in Riga, Latvia and began playing chess at an early age.
At the age of 10, he became the youngest player to earn a master title in the history of the former Soviet Union. He has since represented both Latvia and Germany in international chess tournaments. Naiditsch has achieved many successes in the world of competitive chess.
In 2004, he became the youngest-ever Grandmaster in the history of Latvia. He is also the first Latvian to qualify for the Chess World Cup, which he achieved in 2006.
Naiditsch has won multiple titles, including the Latvian Championship in 2004, the German Championship in 2011, the Grandmaster Open in Croatia in 2011, and the Sparkassen Chess Meeting in Dortmund in 2015. Naiditsch has been a consistent player in chess tournaments all over the world.
He has competed in many prominent tournaments, including the World Chess Championship, the Chess Olympiad, and other high-profile events.
He is currently the second highest rated chess player from Azerbaijan. Naiditsch has established himself as one of the top chess players in the world.
His skill and determination have earned him many victories and accolades in the chess world, and he has become a role model for many aspiring chess players.
11. Alexander Shabalov
Alexander Anatolyevich Shabalov is a highly accomplished chess player. He is an American Grandmaster and has won the United States Chess Championship four times.
This is a prestigious title in the chess world, and this accomplishment alone speaks to Shabalov’s skill and dedication. He has also won or tied for first place in the U.S. Open Chess Championship seven times.
This further showcases Shabalov’s prowess as a chess player and his success in major tournaments. In total, his achievements in the chess world are impressive and demonstrate his remarkable talent.
12. Vladimir Bagirov
Vladimir Konstantinovich Bagirov was a highly accomplished chess player, author, and trainer. He was born in the former Soviet Union and had Latvian heritage. Bagirov was a frequent competitor in USSR Championships, appearing in a total of ten tournaments.
His best finish came in his debut in 1960, where he placed fourth. Bagirov was also a successful international player and won the World Senior Championship in 1998. Bagirov was renowned for his training skills, and wrote several books on the subject.
He was the head coach of the Latvian national team in the 1980s and 1990s and coached many of the country’s top players.
Bagirov also wrote several books on the game, including the popular “How to Play Chess” and “Chess for Beginners.” His legacy as a player and coach continues to live on, as he is still remembered by chess fans and players around the world.
13. Juzefs Petkēvičs
Juzefs Petkēvičs is a Latvian chess Grandmaster of Polish origin. He is a remarkable player and has achieved many successes throughout his career.
Born into a Polish family, he was already a promising player from an early age.In 1967, Petkēvičs won the Riga Championship, achieving a remarkable feat by winning all thirteen games. His success continued when he tied for 1st-3rd at Pärnu 1967, an even greater accomplishment.
He also shared 1st place in the Latvian Chess Championship three times, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. Juzefs Petkēvičs has clearly made a name for himself in the world of chess.
His successes in the Riga Championship and Latvian Chess Championship are a testament to his skill and determination. It is no wonder that he is a highly respected Grandmaster of Polish origin in Latvian chess.
14. Jānis Klovāns
Jānis Klovāns was an impressive figure in the Latvian chess world. He held both a FIDE (World Chess Federation) Grandmaster title and an ICCF (International Correspondence Chess Federation) Correspondence Chess Grandmaster title. He was also a career officer in the Soviet Army.
Klovāns’ chess accomplishments were many. He won the Latvian Championship a record nine times, all while participating in several Soviet Championships. He was widely regarded for his skill and determination in both traditional and correspondence chess.
Klovāns was an inspiration to many Latvian chess players and his legacy still lives on today. He showed that hard work and dedication can lead to great accomplishments, even in the face of adversity.
His success in the chess world is a testament to his skill and determination, and he still serves as an example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
15. Milda Lauberte
Milda Lauberte was a Latvian chess master who was highly successful in her career. She competed in two Women’s World Championship tournaments during her career, showing her skill and commitment to the game.
At the Stockholm 1937 tournament, she shared third place with Sonja Graf, behind the champions Vera Menchik and Clarice Benini. Two years later, she placed sixth at the Buenos Aires 1939 tournament.
This showed Lauberte’s strong chess abilities, as she was able to achieve two top ten finishes in the prestigious tournament. Lauberte’s success in these tournaments demonstrates her dedication to the game of chess.
She was able to compete against some of the best players in the world and still hold her own. Her ability to consistently perform at a high level is a testament to her skill level and her dedication to the game.
Her strong performances in these tournaments show that she was truly a master of chess. Milda Lauberte’s accomplishments as a Latvian chess master are admirable and admirable.
Her skill and commitment to the sport of chess show that she was an exceptional player and a successful competitor. Her ability to place in the top ten of two World Championship tournaments is a testament to her ability and skill.
Milda Lauberte’s success as a chess master should be remembered and celebrated.
16. Aivars Gipslis
Aivars Gipslis was a renowned chess player from Latvia who had a passion for the game and was dedicated to it throughout his life. He was a Grandmaster in both the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the International Correspondence Chess Federation (ICCF).
In addition to his accolades in the chess world, Gipslis was also an accomplished writer and editor. Gipslis was a successful tournament player, achieving a number of impressive wins over some of the world’s greatest players.
He won the Latvian Championship in 1975 and the Latvian Interzonal tournament in 1979. Also, he was part of the Latvian team that won the Soviet Team Championship in 1979. In addition to his tournament successes, Gipslis was also an accomplished correspondence chess player.
He became a Correspondence Chess Grandmaster in 1976 and was a member of the Latvian Correspondence Chess team that won the World Correspondence Chess Championship in 1978.
Gipslis was also a respected writer and editor, publishing numerous books on chess and editing a number of chess magazines. He wrote several books, including “Chess Strategy and Tactics” and “Chess Endgame Training”.
He also edited a number of chess magazines, including “Chess World” and “Chess Master”. Aivars Gipslis was an important figure in the chess world, both as a player and a teacher.
His commitment to the game made him a respected figure in the world of chess, and his accomplishments have been an inspiration to aspiring chess players.
17. Natalia Eremina
Natalia Eremina is a Latvian chess player who achieved a major success in her career in 1988 when she won the Latvian Chess Championship for women.
Her victory was the result of years of hard work and dedication to the game, as she had been a regular participant in the Latvian Chess Championship finals for women since the 1980s.
During this time, she was able to hone her skills and develop her strategies, eventually culminating in her championship win. While she may not be as well known as other chess champions, Natalia Eremina is still an important figure in the Latvian chess community.
Her success serves as an inspiration to many aspiring chess players in Latvia, showing them that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
18. Movsas Feigins
Movsas Feigins, also known as Movša Feigin, was a renowned Latvian chess master. He was born in 1891 in Russia and died in 1957 in Riga, Latvia. He was a strong player of the game and was very successful in it.
He won several Latvian Championships and even earned the title of Latvia’s first Grandmaster in 1950. Feigin was also one of the first Soviet players to achieve success outside of the Soviet Union when he won the 4th Chess Olympiad in 1931.
Throughout his career, he was considered to be one of the greatest Latvian chess players of all time. He was not only an excellent player but was also a great teacher of the game and wrote several books about it.
Feigin’s legacy still lives on today, and he is remembered as one of the greatest chess players of all time.
19. Karlis Ozols
Karlis Aleksandrs Ozols was a Latvian lieutenant during World War II. He was a member of the Nazi-controlled Latvian Auxiliary Police and also a member of Heinrich Himmler’s Schutzstaffel, commonly known as the SS.
The SS was the paramilitary wing of the Nazi party and was responsible for many of the war crimes and atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. Ozols was a part of this organization and was likely involved in many of the war crimes during the war.
Ozols’ role in the SS was likely known to the Latvian government and as such, he was likely not held accountable for his actions during the war. However, he was still a part of a criminal organization and should be held accountable for his actions.
20. Igors Rausis
Igors Rausis is a retired International Master of chess, who was awarded the prestigious title of Grandmaster by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1992. Unfortunately, his career was tarnished in 2019 when he was caught cheating during a tournament.
This led to FIDE stripping him of his Grandmaster title. Prior to his disastrous 2019, Rausis had achieved much success in the chess world.
He was the winner of the Latvian Chess Championship in 1995 and had represented Bangladesh from 2003 to 2007 before switching to the Czech Republic.Rausis’ career is a clear example of the consequences of cheating in the game of chess.
Not only did he lose his Grandmaster title but his reputation in the game was irreparably damaged. This shows that, even for elite players, cheating can lead to significant repercussions.
21. Tatiana Voronova
Tatiana Vasilyevna Voronova is a highly accomplished chess player. She is a Soviet and Latvian citizen and holds the Federation Internationale des Echecs (FiDE) title of Woman International Master.
This is an impressive achievement as the title is only given to female chess players who have achieved an exceptionally high standard of play. In addition to this, Tatiana has had a string of impressive successes in her career.
She has won the Latvian Chess Championship for women on four separate occasions: in 1980, 1985, 1986, and 1987.
This is an impressive feat and a testament to her commitment to the sport and her dedication to achieving the highest level of success. Tatiana’s achievements demonstrate the strength of her character and her ability to remain focused on her goals.
She has shown that she is capable of pushing herself to the highest levels of excellence and is an inspirational figure for all aspiring chess players.
22. Ingūna Erneste
Ingūna Erneste is an accomplished Latvian chess player who has achieved much in the world of chess. She is the current holder of the FIDE title of Woman Grandmaster.
This prestigious title is awarded to female chess players who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in the game and is only given to those who have achieved a certain rating in international tournaments.
Erneste is one of the highest-rated female chess players in Latvia, with an ELO rating of 2226. She has been competing in chess tournaments since the early 2000s and has won several awards, including the Latvian Women’s Championship in 2010 and the Bauska Open in 2011.
She is also a regular participant in international tournaments, having competed in the European Women’s Chess Championship and the World Women’s Chess Championship.
Erneste is an inspiration to many aspiring female chess players and has been an important figure in the Latvian chess scene for many years.
23. Miervaldis Jurševskis
Miervaldis Jurševskis was a remarkable individual with a wide range of talents. He was a chess master from Latvia who emigrated to Canada and also a professional artist.
Jurševskis’ passion for chess began at a young age when he was taught the game by his father when he was just six years old. However, it wasn’t until he attended the University of Latvia to study art that he truly started to excel in the world of chess.
He became one of the brightest stars of the Riga chess scene, and soon his skill was recognized by the international chess community. Jurševskis was a unique individual who combined his love of both art and chess to become successful in both fields.
He is remembered as a great chess master and artist, whose legacy will live on for many years to come.
24. Viktors Pupols
Viktors Pūpols is an esteemed American chess master and a beloved figure in the local chess scene. Known affectionately as “Uncle Vik,” he is a frequent visitor at the Tacoma Chess Club and was the Club Champion in 1955.
Some of his greatest games can be found online, available for all to view on the club’s website. Pupols is married to Deborah Petzal-Pupols and they make a formidable team. His skill at the chessboard is matched by her unwavering support for him.
Together, they are a force to be reckoned with and a symbol of the power of deep commitment and love.
25. Aleksander Wojtkiewicz
Aleksander Wojtkiewicz was a renowned Polish chess grandmaster. He was born in Latvia and began to excel in the game of chess in his early teens.
His impressive skills caught the attention of former world champion Mikhail Tal, who took him on as a student and asked him to assist in the 1979 Interzonal tournament in Riga. Wojtkiewicz proved his worth by winning the Latvian Chess Championship in 1981.
His dedication and talent for the game of chess were evident, and he soon rose to the ranks of grandmaster. He continued to be a successful chess player throughout his career, competing in many tournaments and representing his country in international competitions.
Wojtkiewicz’s success in chess was a testament to his tenacity and his passion for the game.
26. Elmārs Zemgalis
Elmārs Zemgalis was a remarkable figure in the world of chess and mathematics. He was born in Latvia, but later moved to the United States and became a professor at Highline College. He was a dedicated and passionate chess player, achieving the title of Grandmaster in 2003.
His accomplishments in the game were so impressive that he was even awarded an Honorary Grandmaster title in recognition of his talent. At Highline College, he was a professor of mathematics, where he was able to share his knowledge and love of the subject with students.
His passion for chess was evident in his teaching, as he used the game to illustrate mathematical principles. He was also an advocate for the game, pushing for its inclusion in the college’s curriculum.
He also gave lectures and seminars on the subject to encourage people to learn more about it. Elmārs Zemgalis was an influential figure in both the world of chess and mathematics.
He was a dedicated teacher and mentor, and his passion for the game and knowledge of mathematics made him a highly respected figure.
His work and dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of chess and mathematics, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Conclusion
Latvia boasts some of the best chess players in the world. From the world-renowned Latvian grandmaster Alexei Shirov to the country’s numerous other talented players, Latvia is a great place to find some of the best chess players in the world.
The country’s dedication to promoting the game of chess and its strong chess culture have helped to ensure that Latvia remains a top destination for chess players of all skill levels.
