Armenian Boy Becomes The Youngest-ever American Chess Grandmaster

13-year-old Sam Sevian completed the final requirement to earn the title of Grandmaster, the highest title a chess player can attain. He is now the youngest American Grandmaster in history.

Sevian, who lives in Boston, had already completed his three “norms”, or superior performances in high-level tournaments, required by FIDE, the World Chess Federation. He just needed to top a strength rating of 2500 to earn the Grandmaster title. He was just 16 points shy of the mark when he arrived in St. Louis Friday to compete in the CCSCSL Invitational. Sam went on to win the Championship and earned the title of Grandmaster.

Once you earn Grandmaster status, you have it for life.