BAKU | July 17, 2025 — In Azerbaijan, chess isn’t just a game — it’s a cultural cornerstone, backed by state support and a legacy of world-class talent like Vugar Gashimov, Teimour Radjabov, and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. Now, a new name is turning heads on the international stage: Khagan Ahmed, a 13-year-old international master with a FIDE rating of 2406, who just pulled off a stunning blitz victory over world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura.
Speaking with Media.Az, Khagan shared his journey from a curious four-year-old to a rising star of the global chess scene.
“My dad introduced me to chess when I was four,” he recalls. “By five, I was already competing. I’ve won the European Championship, a world bronze medal, and many national titles.”
Khagan studies at Baku’s Lyceum No. 6 and trains with renowned coach Rasul Ibrahimov. While he doesn’t follow pre-game rituals, he emphasizes focus and preparation — analyzing opponents’ styles and sharpening tactics.
“My chess idol is Shakhriyar Mamedyarov,” Khagan says. “I love his creativity and boldness on the board.”
The Nakamura Moment
The now-viral moment came during the blitz section of an international tournament where Khagan represented Turkish Airlines. With 13 rounds in a single day, pairings weren’t known in advance — which meant Khagan had no idea he’d be facing Nakamura until the game began.
“It was round five. I just played my game. At one point, he made a critical blunder, and that gave me a real advantage,” Khagan says. “After that, I just kept control and won.”
He ended the day with an impressive 9 out of 13 wins — but downplays the hype surrounding his victory.
“Honestly, I wasn’t overwhelmed. People kept saying, ‘You beat Hikaru!’ — but I was more upset that our team lost by a narrow margin.”
Looking Ahead
Khagan isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s already aiming for his grandmaster title and wants to compete more often in classical formats.
“Once I hit a rating around 2600 or 2700, I’ll start thinking seriously about the World Championship,” he says.
Outside chess, Khagan enjoys playing football with friends as a way to unwind. But at the heart of his journey is one thing: family.
“They’re my biggest support system,” he says.
As Azerbaijan continues to produce top-tier talent, Khagan Ahmed is proving that the next generation isn’t just promising — it’s already making history.
