Singapore’s chess scene has a new reason to celebrate. Siddharth Jagadeesh, the country’s youngest chess grandmaster, has made history by winning the World Youth Chess Championships (Under-18) in Durres, Albania. This remarkable achievement marks the first time that Singapore has ever claimed a world youth title in chess, and it’s a milestone that will inspire the local chess community for years to come.
Rising from a Slump to the Top
After reaching the grandmaster title in 2024, Siddharth faced a tough period. Competing in over a dozen tournaments from January to August 2025, he lost nearly 50 Elo points, slipping from 2,515 to 2,467. Siddharth admitted this downturn was challenging and stemmed from a lack of motivation after his big achievement. In his own words, the drop was “unpleasant” and gave him time to reflect on his purpose as a player.
However, this period became a valuable learning experience. Siddharth persevered, sharpened his skills, and matured, setting the stage for his historic run at the World Youth Chess Championships.
The Road to Victory
Siddharth started the championships strong, notching four consecutive wins and taking an early lead. But the final round brought drama—he lost to Poland’s Jakub Seemann, and for hours, the result hung in the balance. Siddharth, Belarus’s Artiom Stribuk, India’s Sriram Adarsh Uppala, and Seemann all finished with 8.5 points each.
Victory was ultimately decided by tiebreaks, with Siddharth coming out on top because he faced higher-ranked opponents throughout the event. After seven wins, three draws, and just one loss, Siddharth was declared champion—a huge relief after the tense finish.
What This Win Means for Singapore Chess
Singapore Chess Federation CEO Kevin Goh called the victory the “biggest success” in Singapore’s chess history. The Singapore chess community is thrilled with Siddharth’s achievement, which is set to raise the profile of the game across the country.
Goh also pointed out that it’s not unusual for young players like Siddharth to struggle with motivation after hitting major milestones. He’s optimistic that this win will boost Siddharth’s confidence and performance, especially as he heads to the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand.
Looking Ahead
Siddharth is part of Singapore’s 14-member SEA Games chess team. He will compete in both men’s Asean rapid team and men’s rapid doubles events, aiming to help the Republic improve on the two silver and three bronze medals won at the last SEA Games in Vietnam.
Siddharth is especially hopeful about the rapid doubles event, playing alongside Singapore’s top player Tin Jingyao. The recent victory has given him strong momentum and belief that he can achieve another medal for Singapore. After the SEA Games, Siddharth will take part in the Chess World Cup in Goa, India.
A New Chapter for Singapore Chess
Siddharth’s journey is proof that resilience and growth can lead to remarkable achievements. From overcoming post-title struggles to clinching a world championship, he has opened a new chapter in Singapore’s chess story. The future looks bright not just for him, but for all aspiring chess players across the country.
Chessgaja Student Spotlight
It’s not just grandmasters who are setting new standards—rising stars are making their mark too! Aurik Joshi (ACM), a determined student from Singapore, competed in the Chess Connexion Rapid Open 2025 (Open category) on October 18, 2025. Aurik started out ranked 59th but soared to a 27th-place finish, earning a spectacular performance rating of 2054 and an impressive FIDE rating gain of +100.8. This achievement is a clear sign of Aurik’s dedication and growth as a chess player.
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