Levon Aronian – The Creative Genius

Levon Aronian is a Super-Grandmaster who has been ranked in the world's top 10 for nearly two decades. He is widely considered one of the greatest players never to become Classical World Champion.

He is known as a "Creative Genius" or "Trickster." Unlike players who seek safety, Aronian loves messy, complicated positions where he can use his immense tactical vision to outplay opponents.

In 2021, after leading the Armenian team to three Olympic Gold medals, he transferred to the US Chess Federation, citing a lack of government support for chess in his home country.

He is a two-time FIDE World Cup winner (2005, 2017), a World Rapid Champion (2009), a World Blitz Champion (2010), and a triple Olympiad Gold Medalist.

With White, he often starts with 1.d4 or 1.c4 but is very universal. With Black, he is famous for reviving the dangerous Marshall Attack in the Ruy Lopez.

He is the only player to have won the grueling FIDE World Cup twice (2005 and 2017), proving his knockout match resilience.

He achieved the 4th highest rating in history (at the time) in 2014, cementing his status as a legend.

He led the tiny nation of Armenia to three Chess Olympiad Gold Medals (2006, 2008, 2012), beating superpowers like Russia and China.

Aronian is famous for saving lost games. His optimism and tactical tricks often confuse opponents right when they think they have won.

He dominated the field to take the Rapid title, showcasing his quick thinking.

He followed up his Rapid success by winning the World Blitz Championship the very next year.

His creativity shines in Fischer Random (Chess960), winning the Mainz Chess960 World Championship twice.

He analyzed the Marshall Gambit so deeply that for years, top players simply refused to allow him to play it.

He won the 2015 Sinquefield Cup, one of the strongest tournaments in history, ahead of Carlsen and Nakamura.

His move to the US team in 2021 created a "Super Team" alongside Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So.

Known for his colorful shirts, glasses, and shoes, Aronian brings a unique flair and personality to the chess world.

He has won the prestigious "Wimbledon of Chess" at Wijk aan Zee four times (2008, 2012, 2014, 2017).

His calculation is often compared to Mikhail Tal; he sees geometric patterns that others miss.

While tactical, he is also a superb positional player, capable of grinding wins in the style of Carlsen when needed.

He had a fierce rivalry with Vladimir Kramnik, often clashing in deep theoretical battles.

His long-time second and friend Sargissian helped him develop his deep opening preparation.

He won the World Junior Championship in 2002, signaling his arrival as a future star.

Levon is widely regarded as one of the most polite and friendly players on the circuit, loved by fans and peers.

He consistently performs better in team events (Olympiads, World Teams) than individual cycles, thriving on camaraderie.

Despite his immense talent, he often struggled in the Candidates Tournaments, the final hurdle to the World Championship match.