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GM David Navara

Czech Republic

Born on March 27, 1985, in Prague

Elo std: 2657
Rapid: 2671
Blitz: 2636

GMT: 2023 (3rd), 2018 (5th), 2017 (8th), 2015 (4th)
MTO: –
 

Navara’s style, as combative as it is uncompromising, regularly produces thrilling games. His legendary sportsmanship has made him one of the most beloved players on the circuit. We’re delighted to welcome him back to Biel – the man who humbly sums up his philosophy: ‘I’m no genius like Carlsen or Kasparov, just a passionate player who loves hard work and beautiful chess.’ This year, however, he’ll carry the weight of expectations as the undisputed frontrunner in the Challengers tournament.

 

Read the more detailed biography

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GM Daniel Dardha

Belgium

Born on October 01, 2005, in Mortsel

Elo std: 2646
Rapid: 2582
Blitz: 2613

GMT: –
MTO: –
 

Dardha's playing style blends dynamism and unpredictability with razor-sharp tactical creativity and resilience—honed since childhood through his father's rigorous training and invaluable advice from GM Ivan Sokolov. At just 19, the 2024 European Vice-Champion's trajectory suggests he's poised to challenge the world elite. A triumph in the Challengers would grant him a golden ticket to next year's Masters: the perfect stage to cement his status as a rising star!"

 

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GM Ma Qun

China

Born on November 09, 1991, in Shandong

Elo std: 2630
Rapid: 2617
Blitz: 2614

GMT: –
MTO: –
 

Ma Qun's playing style is defined by meticulous preparation and remarkable adaptability, allowing him to excel in both classical and rapid formats. His tactical sharpness and resilience in critical situations have made him a cornerstone of Chinese chess, as evidenced by his decisive performances in team competitions. While he has yet to break into the exclusive circle of the world's elite, his tournament record solidifies his status as an accomplished and consistently relentless Grandmaster.

 
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GM Aram Hakobyan

Armenia

Born on April 01, 2001, in Yerevan

Elo std: 2620
Rapid: 2535
Blitz: 2557

GMT: –
MTO: –
 

Hakobyan's playing style blends tactical finesse with positional mastery, honed through years of youth competitions and elite training. After early successes—including medals at the World and European Junior Championships—he enrolled at Webster University to balance his chess career with a degree in management. As a protégé of Quang Liem Le, this year presents him with the opportunity to take a major leap forward in his career, following in the footsteps of the undisputed champion of Biel’s Chess Triathlon format!

 

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GM Nikolas Theodorou

Greece

Born on September 17, 2000, in Athens

Elo std: 2613
Rapid: 2559
Blitz: 2549

GMT: –
MTO: –
 

Theodorou has mastered the delicate alchemy between tactical instinct and positional rigor, as demonstrated by his stunning victory against Caruana at the recent US Chess Masters. A key architect of Greek chess's revival and now a rising force in the US, despite juggling advanced university studies with undiminished competitive ambitions, the young Cretan might well become the breakout star of the 2025 Challengers.

 
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GM Rinat Jumabayev

Kazhakstan

Born on July 23, 1989, in Shymkent

Elo std: 2546
Rapid: 2524
Blitz: 2528

GMT: –
MTO: 2024 (winner), 2021 (31st), 2019 (12th), 2016 (27th)
 

Last year’s victory at the Master Open Tournament (MTO) propelled the popular Kazakh player into this season’s Challengers event. Jumabayev, unafraid to take risks against stronger opponents—as proven by his win with Black against Caruana at the 2021 World Cup—is equally renowned for his skill and mental toughness in rapid and blitz. This tenacious competitor might well spring some surprises in a triathlon that promises to be more unpredictable than it seems!