Abhimanyu Mishra, 12, creates history; crowned world's youngest GM

Abhimanyu Mishra who holds the record as the youngest ever International Master is on the verge of becoming the youngest Grand Master in history. Just one norm away from breaking a 19-year-old GM record, he aims to beat the previous Grand Master record held by Russian Grand Master Sergey Karjakin at the age of 12 years and 7 months. 

Expectations are running high as Abhi is playing in his next GM tournament against Grand Master Leon Mendonca.

Abhimanyu, born on February 5, 2009, to Indian parents settled in New Jersey, has picked up two GM norms already. Despite the difficulties posed by the travel ban due to Covid-19, he has been able to get 90 Elo points that hiked his Elo from 2408 to 2496 in the last few months.  

Previously, he broke the record of Master Praggnanandhaa, who held the title of the youngest international master in history, at the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days. Abhi won the title in November 2019 at the age of 10 years, 9 months, and 20 days.

Abhimanyu had broken the United States Chess Federation record for youngest Expert by earning a 2000 USCF rating at the age of 7 years, 6 months, and 22 days, breaking the record of Awonder Liang.