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GM Radoslaw WOJTASZEK

Poland

Born on January 13, 1987, in Elbląg

Elo std: 2655
Rapid: 2658
Blitz: 2610

GMT: 2020 (winner), 2015 (2nd), 2014 (2nd)
MTO: –
 
Biography
Radosław Wojtaszek was born on January 13, 1987, in Elbląg, a city in north-central Poland. He began playing chess at the age of five, showing an early aptitude for the game that was nurtured through self-study and participation in local tournaments. As a young player, Wojtaszek immersed himself in chess literature, including classics like My System by Aron Nimzowitsch, which likely contributed to his deep understanding of the game. His dedication intensified at age 16, when he began training six to eight hours daily, analyzing his games to refine his skills.
Wojtaszek’s career gained international attention when he became a key second for Viswanathan Anand, assisting the Indian legend in world championship matches against Vladimir Kramnik (2008), Veselin Topalov (2010), Boris Gelfand (2012), and Magnus Carlsen (2013 and 2014). This role not only elevated his reputation but also enriched his own chess knowledge. In 2015, he married Russian International Master Alina Kashlinskaya, forming a notable chess power couple.
Chess Successes
Radosław Wojtaszek’s career is distinguished by a remarkable trajectory from youth prodigy to Poland’s top player, with numerous titles and standout performances:
  • Early Achievements: Wojtaszek’s talent shone in youth competitions. In 2001, he won the Polish U14 Championship. In 2004, at age 17, he claimed both the European Youth Chess Championship U18 and the World Youth Chess Championship U18, cementing his status as a rising star. That same year, he won the Cracovia Open with 7.5/9.
  • Polish Chess Championship: Wojtaszek has won the Polish national title six times (2005, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024), first triumphing in 2005 at age 18 with a stunning display that also completed his GM title requirements. His consistent success has made him a dominant figure in Polish chess, though he has also earned silver medals, as in 2023.
  • Grandmaster Title: He earned the GM title in 2005, with norms from events like Cappelle la Grande (2003) and his 2004 World Youth Championship victory. This marked his entry into the elite ranks at just 18.
  • Chess Olympiads: Wojtaszek has been a mainstay for Poland. At the 2006 Turin Olympiad, he debuted with 9/11, a stellar performance. In 2010 (Khanty-Mansiysk), he scored 6/9 on the top board, and in 2012 (Istanbul), he delivered 8/10, including wins over Teimour Radjabov and Hikaru Nakamura, showcasing his ability against top-tier opponents.
  • Notable Tournaments:
    • 2008 European Rapid Championship: Won in Warsaw, highlighting his skill in faster time controls.
    • 2010 San Juan International: Took first with 6.5/9 in Pamplona.
    • 2011 György Marx Memorial: Won in Paks, Hungary, with a 2900 performance rating.
    • 2013 Zurich Christmas Open: Secured clear first with 6/7.
    • 2015 Tata Steel Masters: Finished 9th (5.5/13) but notably defeated both Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana—the only player to beat the world’s top two at that event.
    • 2017 Dortmund Sparkassen: Won unbeaten with 4.5/7, ahead of Kramnik and Vachier-Lagrave.
    • 2018 Isle of Man International: Took first after a playoff against Arkadij Naiditsch, outpacing stars like Anand and Kramnik.
    • 2020 Biel Chess Festival: Won the triathlon (classical, rapid, blitz) with 37 points, edging out Pentala Harikrishna.
  • FIDE World Cup and Grand Prix: In 2015, he reached the fourth round of the World Cup, losing to Anish Giri. In 2019, he was a semifinalist at the Moscow Grand Prix, defeating Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Peter Svidler before falling to Ian Nepomniachtchi. In 2022, he tied for first in the FIDE Grand Prix’s first leg with Richárd Rapport but lost in rapid tiebreaks.
Wojtaszek’s style is known for its theoretical depth and versatility, honed by his work with Anand and his own rigorous preparation. His victories over Carlsen, Caruana, Nakamura, and others, alongside his longevity at the elite level, underscore his talent. At 37, his potential remains evident, bolstered by recent contributions as a second to D. Gukesh in the 2024 World Championship. He will be eager to shine in the Biel Triathlon, which he won in 2020, without having had the opportunity to defend his title since.