Player Profile: Daniil Dmitrievich Dubov

Full Name: Daniil Dmitrievich Dubov

Peak FIDE Rating: 2720 (September 2022)

Active Since: 2009

Federation: Russia

Player Description:

Daniil Dubov, born on April 18, 1996, in Moscow, Russia, is a Grandmaster known for his fearless creativity and deeply imaginative style. A chess prodigy from a young age, Dubov rose quickly through the ranks, earning his Grandmaster title in 2011 at the age of 14. He has since built a reputation as one of the most original thinkers in modern chess, unafraid to take bold risks and often venturing into highly unorthodox positions.

What sets Dubov apart is his aggressive approach to the game and his willingness to play speculative sacrifices and sharp lines even against elite opponents. He gained international attention with his win at the 2018 World Rapid Chess Championship, where he triumphed over a strong field including top-10 players.

Aside from his success over the board, Dubov is also recognized for his contributions as a second to Magnus Carlsen during the 2018 World Championship match. His inventive ideas and fearless attacking mindset added depth to Carlsen’s preparation, earning Dubov both respect and admiration in the chess world.

Career Scorecard:

World Championship Cycle Appearances: None

FIDE World Cup: 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023

National Championships:

Russian Chess Champion: 2020

Runner-up in the Russian Championship Higher League: 2014

Olympiad Medals:

Part of the Russian team at the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad (Gold medal)

Tournaments Won:

World Rapid Chess Championship: 2018

Russian Championship: 2020

Aeroflot Open: 2015

Shared first at Tata Steel Challengers 2020

Memorable Games:

1. Dubov vs. Karjakin – Russian Championship Superfinal 2020

In this brilliant attacking game, Dubov dismantled Sergey Karjakin with the white pieces. Sacrificing material with precise calculation, he launched a devastating kingside attack that ended in a crushing win. This game was widely praised for its beauty and creativity and was one of the highlights of his national title run.

2. Dubov vs. Aronian – World Rapid Championship 2018

During his title-winning run, Dubov played a stunning tactical masterpiece against Levon Aronian. With a mix of bold ideas and accurate follow-ups, Dubov showcased his ability to complicate positions and force mistakes from world-class opponents. This victory was a key moment in securing the championship.

3. Dubov vs. Giri – Lindores Abbey Rapid Challenge 2020

Facing Anish Giri, Dubov played a creative line in the Catalan and sacrificed material early to generate dynamic play. His initiative was so strong that Giri found himself under constant pressure. The game stood out in the rapid format and was one of the most talked-about encounters in the tournament.