Image Photo credit: David Llada
Photo credit: David Llada

GM Levon ARONIAN

USA

Born on October 6, 1982, in Yerevan (Armenia)

Elo std: 2724
Rapid: 2730
Blitz: 2740

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Former world number two and holder of the fourth-highest rating in history (2830), his achievements are matched only by his renowned creativity. A three-time Olympiad gold medallist with Armenia (2006, 2008, 2012), winner of two World Cups (2005, 2017) and the 2010 World Blitz Championship, he has been competing at the very top level for over two decades and will look to add his name to Biel’s winners list on his debut.

Image Photo credit: Biel Chess Festival
Photo credit: Biel Chess Festival
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GM Liem LE QUANG

Vietnam

Born on March 13, 1991, in Ho Chi Minh-City

Elo std: 2731
Rapid: 2636
Blitz: 2683

GMT: 2022 (Winner), 2023 (Winner), 2024 (Winner)
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The three-time Masters Triathlon winner (2022, 2023, 2024) has already demonstrated his mastery of the Biel format and will be aiming for a historic fourth title to compensate his last-minute withdrawal in 2025. World Blitz Champion in 2013 and two-time Aeroflot Open winner (2011, 2012), he combines top-level play with coaching, serving as head coach of the Webster University chess team (USA), one of the most renowned programs in the country.

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GM Matthias BLUEBAUM

Germany

Born on April 18, 1997, in Lemgo

Elo std: 2695
Rapid: 2587
Blitz: 2634

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The German grandmaster is one of those quiet players who steadily establish themselves among the world elite. European Champion in 2022 and 2025, runner-up at the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss — earning qualification for the Candidates Tournament — he is enjoying an excellent season and will arrive in Biel in top form.

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GM Nodirbek YAKUBBOEV

Uzbekistan

Born on January 23, 2002, in Tashkent

Elo std: 2689
Rapid: 2568
Blitz: 2584

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Four-time national champion, Olympiad gold medallist in 2022 and semi-finalist of the 2025 World Cup, he is a fearless competitor. Winner of the strong Qatar Masters Open 2023 ahead of an elite field including Magnus Carlsen, and of the UzChess Cup Masters 2024 despite starting as an outsider, he embodies the ambition of the new Uzbek generation. With the Olympiad coming to his home country, he will be eager to impress in Biel.

Image Photo credit: FIDE / Michal Walusza
Photo credit: FIDE / Michal Walusza

GM Yagiz Kaan ERDOGMUS

Türkiye

Born on June 3, 2011, in Bursa

Elo std: 2687
Rapid: 2493
Blitz: 2546

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The youngest player in the field and already world number two under 20, he stands out for his precocity. World Youth Blitz Champion and the youngest player in history to surpass 2600 Elo, he has recently delivered strong performances in events such as the Tata Steel Masters and the World Rapid and Blitz Championships. A name to remember.

Image Photo credit: Patricia Claros
Photo credit: Patricia Claros

GM Jose Eduardo MARTINEZ ALCANTARA

Mexico

Born on January 31, 1999, in Lima (Peru)

Elo std: 2656
Rapid: 2625
Blitz: 2663

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The first Latin American representative since 2021, the Peruvian-born Mexican will approach the Masters without pressure. This role suited him well at the 2025 World Cup in Goa, where he defeated five opponents, including three higher-rated players, before losing in the quarterfinals to eventual winner Sindarov. A dangerous outsider.