In a stunning achievement, 10 – Year-old Keya Panjwani has etched her name in U.S. chess history by defeating a Grandmaster, becoming the youngest American ever to do so. Her remarkable win came against GM Nikola Mitkov at the prestigious U.S. Masters 2025.
What makes this moment even more extraordinary is its timing — just hours after 9-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan’s sensational victory over a Grandmaster in England. Together, the two prodigies have set the global chess fraternity buzzing with excitement about the new generation of talent rewriting the record books.
Keya’s victory was built on her fearless attacking play and sharp calculation, showcasing maturity far beyond her age. Many in the chess community are already calling her a future star, drawing comparisons with legends who announced themselves on the world stage at a tender age.
This milestone is not just a personal triumph for Keya but also a proud moment for American chess, sending a wave of inspiration to young players across the country.
With Bodhana and Keya leading the way, the future of world chess looks brighter than ever.
