For the first time since the official establishment of the chess world championship in 1886, a Greek player has beaten the sitting world champion, according to en.protothema.gr. The milestone belongs to 25-year-old Nikola Theodorou from Rethymno, who triumphed over 19-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju of India in Uzbekistan.
Theodorou’s victory came at the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss, one of the year’s most important tournaments. The achievement has been hailed as proof of his exceptional skill and growing international stature.
Both the mayor of Rethymno, George H. Marinakis, and Deputy Mayor of Sports, Nikos Provias, issued public congratulations. The mayor remarked: “We are proud of the champion from Rethymnon. He is an example to be emulated and a source of inspiration for all young people who love the top spiritual sport.”
Deputy Mayor Provias also praised the grandmaster: “Nicholas Theodorou, with his talent and obviously with his hard work, dedication, ethics and militancy, honors Rethymno and our country internationally.”
Theodorou’s chess journey began at the Rethymno Chess Club. He earned the title of grandmaster in 2021 and has since become the top player of the Greek national team. Over the years, he has secured impressive victories against elite opponents such as Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, Arjun Erigaisi, and Teimour Radjabov.
This latest win against the reigning world champion places Theodorou among the brightest talents in global chess and has given Greece its first historic triumph over the game’s highest-ranked active player.
Source: en.protothema.gr
