Image

GM Aram Hakobyan

Born on April 01, 2001, in Yerevan

Elo std: 2620
Rapid: 2535
Blitz: 2557

GMT: –
MTO: –

 

Biography
Aram Hakobyan is an Armenian chess Grandmaster (GM) born on April 01, 2001, in Yerevan, Armenia. Known for his early talent and consistent success in youth and international competitions, Hakobyan has emerged as one of Armenia’s promising chess players. Below is a detailed overview of his biography and chess successes.
Aram Hakobyan was born in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, a country with a rich chess tradition. He began playing chess at the age of 6, quickly showing promise in a nation renowned for producing world-class players like Tigran Petrosian and Levon Aronian. His early training likely took place within Armenia’s strong chess ecosystem, which emphasizes youth development through schools and academies. Hakobyan’s dedication to the game saw him compete in numerous national and international youth tournaments, building a foundation for his later achievements.
In pursuit of further growth, Hakobyan moved to the United States to study at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, a hub for chess talent under the guidance of coach Susan Polgar, later Quang Liem Le. There, he majored in Management while playing for the university’s highly competitive chess team. This relocation allowed him to balance academics with access to top-tier competition, enhancing his skills in a global chess environment. As of recent years, he remains active in both Armenian and international chess circles.
Chess Successes
Aram Hakobyan’s career is marked by a remarkable progression through youth championships to notable performances as a Grandmaster:
  • Early Achievements: Hakobyan dominated Armenian youth chess, winning the Armenian Youth Championships in multiple age categories (U10, U12, U14, and U18). His talent shone internationally in 2013 when he won the World Youth Chess Championship in the U12 section in Maribor, Slovenia, scoring an impressive 9.5/11 and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament.
  • Youth Success in Europe: He continued to excel in European competitions, earning the vice-champion title at the European Youth Chess Championship U14 in 2014 and a bronze medal in the same event in 2015. In 2016, he added a bronze medal at the U16 Chess Olympiad, showcasing his strength in team events.
  • Grandmaster Title: Hakobyan earned his Grandmaster title in 2018 at the age of 17, a testament to his rapid development. He secured his final GM norm at the Aeroflot Open in 2018.
  • World Junior Championship: In October 2019, Hakobyan won the bronze medal at the World Junior Chess Championship (U20) in New Delhi, India, scoring 8.5/11. This achievement highlighted his ability to compete with the world’s top young talents.
  • Collegiate Chess: As part of the Webster University chess team, Hakobyan contributed to their success in U.S. collegiate events, benefiting from the competitive environment and coaching at one of the strongest chess programs in the country.
  • Notable Performances: In September 2023, Hakobyan tied for first (alongside Sergey Drygalov) in a Chess.com Titled Tuesday event, demonstrating his prowess in online rapid formats. He has also performed well in open tournaments, such as scoring 7.5/11 (38th place) at the 2017 European Individual Chess Championship and 7/11 (42nd place) in 2018, where he was recognized as the best U18 junior player.
Hakobyan’s playing style combines tactical sharpness with solid positional understanding, honed through years of youth competition and high-level training. His successes at a young age—world and European youth medals, followed by a swift rise to GM status—mark him as a standout talent. His time at Webster University and continued participation in international events suggest he is still developing, with potential for further breakthroughs in elite chess circles. As a representative of Armenia’s chess legacy, Hakobyan carries forward the nation’s tradition of excellence.