The next generation of chess talent continues to take shape across Europe, as the Kasparov Chess Foundation hosted another dynamic qualifying training session for its prestigious Young Stars program—this time in Munich, Germany.
Held at the renowned FC Bayern Academy, the session brought together some of the most promising young players from across the continent for an intensive period of training, competition, and development.
Elite Coaching Meets Emerging Talent
The training was led by an exceptional team of coaches, including Roman Vidonyak, Michael Khodarkovsky, and Adrian Mikhalchishin—all highly respected figures in the global chess community.
Under their guidance, participants were challenged to elevate their strategic thinking, refine their techniques, and gain valuable insights that go far beyond the chessboard.
A Strong International Field
The Munich session featured a diverse and talented group of young competitors, representing multiple countries:
- 🇩🇪 Shen Tingrei
- 🇩🇪 Anton Belin
- 🇺🇦 Oleksiy Nakonechnyj
- 🇬🇧 Bodhana Sivanandan
- 🇬🇧 Supratit Banerjee
The Road to Slovenia—and Beyond
For several participants, Munich is just one step in a larger journey. Top performers will continue on to the Kasparov Chess Foundation Friendship Festival in Slovenia, scheduled for June 25 through July 5. There, they’ll compete and train alongside peers from around the world, gaining invaluable international experience.
A Chance to Train with a Legend
The strongest qualifiers from the program will earn a coveted opportunity: an exclusive training session with world chess legend Garry Kasparov.
This elite experience will take place in July in Zagreb, Croatia, alongside the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 — one of the premier events on the Grand Chess Tour calendar.
For these rising stars, it’s more than just a training session, it’s a rare chance to learn directly from one of the greatest minds in the history of the game, in a setting that connects them to the highest levels of professional chess.
Notable Champions & Elite Players from Young Stars
Several top grandmasters and champions have come through the Kasparov Chess Foundation Young Stars program—especially on the U.S. side, where the track record is strongest and best documented.
Here are some of the most prominent graduates from the program:
- Jeffery Xiong – Grandmaster and former U.S. Junior Champion
- Sam Sevian – Grandmaster and former U.S. prodigy record-holder
- Abhimanyu Mishra – Became the youngest GM in history
- Christopher Yoo – Grandmaster and top U.S. junior
- Awonder Liang – Grandmaster and U.S. Champion contender
- Jonas Bjerre – Grandmaster and European elite player
- Alice Lee – One of the top young female players globally
- Carissa Yip – U.S. Women’s Champion
Many of these players participated in the program as kids and went on to become grandmasters or national champions.
Building the Future of the Game
The Kasparov Chess Foundation’s Young Stars initiative continues to play a vital role in identifying and nurturing the next generation of chess talent. By combining world-class coaching, international competition, and exposure to elite events and players, the program provides young players with a pathway to excellence.