Player Profile: Levon Aronian

Full Name: Levon Grigori Aronian

Peak FIDE Rating: 2830 (March 2014)

Active Since: Mid-1990s (officially gaining recognition after 2000)

Federation: United States (formerly played for Armenian Federation)

Levon Aronian is more than just a chess player. He’s an artist on a battlefield of 64 squares. Originating from Yerevan, Armenia, and raised in a country where chess is woven into its heritage, Levon evolved into a distinguished personality brimming with charm and intellect.

He is celebrated for his offbeat creativity, engaging humor, and elegance during games; over the last twenty years, he has competed not solely for victory but also to inspire those around him. Aronian’s play shines with originality showcasing sacrifices that may seem unwise until they unfold into brilliance, endgames that display captivating accuracy, and openings that question traditional approaches. Whether representing Armenia or his current federation, the U.S., Levon epitomizes the spirit of a chess romantic. In 2016, CNN dubbed him the “David Beckham of Chess.”

Career Scorecard:

• World Championship Cycle Appearances:

• World Under-12 Championship (1994): His first world event appearance, clinching the tournament at age 12.

• World Junior Championship (2002): At just 20 years old, he secured victory in this competition, finishing in first place.

• Candidates Tournament appearances: 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018

• Consistently ranks among the top players, often a hair’s breadth away from a shot at the world title

National Championships:

• Armenian Champion (2002) – at the young age of 20, he made a significant impact on the national stage.

Olympiad Medals:

• Team Golds with Armenia: 2006 (Turin), 2008 (Dresden), 2012 (Istanbul)

Tournaments Won:

• FIDE World Cup Champion: 2005 and 2017

• Tata Steel Chess (Wijk aan Zee): 2012, 2014

• Tal Memorial: 2010 • Linares (co-winner): 2006

• Norway Chess: 2017

• Sinquefield Cup: 2015

  
  

• Aronian vs. Anand, Tata Steel 2013 A tactical victory against the reigning World Champion. Levon’s precision and foresight left Anand astonished it was a game scrutinized by many for its nearly perfect execution.

  
  

• Aronian vs. Carlsen, Norway Chess 2017 An audacious victory over the World No. 1. Aronian unleashed a barrage of tactics and positional insights and was honored with the tournament’s brilliancy award.

  
  

• Aronian vs. Grischuk, World Cup Final 2017 (Rapid Tiebreak) Under immense pressure, Aronian thrived. His bold combinations and keen instincts earned him a second World Cup title, a rare milestone in the history of chess.