Player Profile: Vincent Keymer

Full Name: Vincent Keymer

Peak FIDE Rating: 2750.9 (Live Rating as on August 2024)

Active Since: 2015

Federation: Germany

Player Description: In a world overflowing with young talent, Vincent Keymer doesn’t just rise, he commands attention. Born on November 15, 2004, in Mainz, Germany, Vincent was raised in a home where the sound of classical music filled the air. While most children his age played video games, Vincent was developing razor-sharp focus first on the piano, then on the chessboard. By the age of five, chess had completely captivated him.

At just 13, he sent shockwaves through the chess world by winning the 2018 Grenke Chess Open, the strongest open tournament in history at the time, defeating seven grandmasters with a sensational 2798 performance rating. That single tournament transformed him overnight from a promising youngster into an international sensation.

Guided by legendary Grandmaster Peter Leko, Vincent developed a mature, positional style built on rock-solid fundamentals and fearless creativity. He earned his Grandmaster title at 14, becoming Germany’s youngest-ever GM, and has since evolved into a world-class competitor on the rise. His recent wins in the German Championship and Chennai Grandmasters 2025 has put hin the league of Super Grandmasters.

Vincent Keymer is no longer just a prodigy; he’s a formidable force in modern chess. With a unique combination of discipline, elegance, and icy composure, he’s not just part of the new generation; he’s helping define it. As he continues to challenge the world’s best, one thing is clear: Keymer isn’t just aiming high, he’s aiming for the summit.

Career Scorecard:

World Championship Cycle Appearances:

• 2021 FIDE Grand Swiss – solid debut among the elite

• 2023 FIDE Grand Swiss – finished 7th, just short of a Candidates berth

• FIDE WORLD BLITZ CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 – Conquered the tournament along with his team (WR Chess Team). National Championships:

• 2023 German Champion – won the title unbeaten, establishing himself as the country's top player

• Multiple-time German Youth Champion in various age categories Olympiad Medals:

• Represented Germany on Board 1 at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai

• Delivered steady performances against top-tier opponents (no medals yet) Tournaments Won:

• 2018 Grenke Chess Open – stunning victory at age 13

• 2021 Tegernsee Masters – undefeated, dominant showing

• 2022 Prague International Chess Festival (Challengers) – earned a place in the 2023 Masters

• 2023 German Championship – captured the national crown with flair and control

• 2025 German Championship – captured the national crown yet again

• 2025 QuantBox Chennai Grandmasters - Winner

Memorable Games:

1. vs Richard Rapport – Grenke Open 2018 A jaw-dropping performance from a 13-year-old Keymer against one of the world’s most dynamic grandmasters. Sacrifices, initiative, and flawless calculation led to a brilliant attacking win that instantly put his name on the global chess map.

2. vs Jan-Krzysztof Duda – FIDE World Cup 2023 Against the former World Cup winner, Keymer played a composed and deeply prepared game, outmaneuvering Duda in classical time control. The victory was a major highlight in Keymer’s run and signaled his ability to thrive under intense match pressure.

3. vs Levon Aronian – WR Masters 2023 A mature, positional squeeze against a former World Championship candidate. With slow, methodical play, Keymer gradually built pressure until Aronian cracked. It was a game that showed the strategic depth and patience of a true elite competitor.