At 9 years of age, Roman Shogdzhiev wrote his name into chess history when he achieved the International Master (IM) norm, which marks him as the youngest player in chess history. The achievement is only the fifth for players that broke the 2300 ELO rating mark before reaching their 10th birthday.

A Historic Feat In Serbia

Shogdzhiev achieved his IM norm at the RadnickiChess IM tournament in Belgrade, Serbia, in December 2024. Roman achieved this feat at just 9 years, 10 months, and 7 days, which puts him on record as the youngest to do so, edging out Argentine wunderkind Faustino Oro. Shogdzhiev managed second place by having 7 of 9 in the event after Suat Atalik from Serbia on board count by.5 points.
To make sure for Roman a needed draw occurred: Roman shared victory with GM from Serbia, Damljanovic Branko since two other Gms were his opponents. With two of Grandmasters and also two of IMs among participating players, his new norm had surely been accomplished by Roman.

Breaking More Records & Dominating The Chess Scene

That is not all for Roman’s road to chess stardom. He did that just last year, getting in very good fortunes at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, where at the age of 8 got five Grandmasters as his victims. In November 2024 he was declared world champion in the open category Under-10, and a year before won the title of World Youth Champion Under-8. This year 2022, was also good to him when he became the champion of Europe for youth under 8.

Roman Very Happy With The Results

“I am happy with my results this year. I did quite well in many ways and played well. Next year I set myself the goal of getting the title of international master,” Roman told Chess.com.

“Roman will be looked at as a rising star of chess, and now he will have to live up to high expectations. At the same time, success gives confidence in his abilities. Roman certainly feels that he is capable of a lot, and this will give him additional motivation,” his parents told Chess.com.