Top 5 Rising Junior Chess Players to Watch in 2026

The era of Magnus Carlsen's absolute dominance is transitioning into a new, chaotic, and exciting multipolar world. At the forefront of this shift is a "golden generation" of juniors who aren't just competing with the elite—they are becoming the elite.

In 2026, the definition of a "Junior" (under 20) is stricter than ever, but the talent pool is deeper. Here are the top 5 players who are redefining what's possible at a young age.

1. Dommaraju Gukesh (India)

The Heir Apparent. Having already challenged for the World Championship, Gukesh is no longer just a "prodigy." He is a cemented super-GM. His calculation is precise, his nerves are steel, and his preparation is cutting-edge.

Signature Style: Universal, with a preference for complex strategic squeezes.
2026 Prediction: A serious run at the #1 spot in live ratings.

2. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan)

The silent assassin of the chessboard. Known for his "Rapid" World Championship victory years ago, Nodirbek has translated that speed and intuition into classical dominance. He rarely loses, and his endgame technique is reminiscent of a young Carlsen.

3. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (India)

"Pragg" is arguably the most creative player of his generation. Unafraid to take risks or steer the game into wild complications, he is a fan favorite for a reason. His defensive resourcefulness—finding moves that only engines see—makes him incredibly hard to beat.

4. Ediz Gurel (Turkey)

The new kid on the block. Ediz has skyrocketed through the ratings in late 2024 and 2025. While slightly younger than the Indian trio, his trajectory suggests he could be the first Turkish World Candidate.

5. Faustino Oro (Argentina)

The youngest on this list and perhaps the most naturally gifted. Dubbed the "Messi of Chess," Faustino's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Still well under 18, he is already crushing GM norms and taking scalps from 2700+ players in online blitz.

Why This Generation is Different

Unlike previous generations who learned from books, these digital natives learned from stockfish. They don't respect "classical principles" if the engine says a move works. This makes their chess dangerous, concrete, and untethered by dogma.

Keep an eye on the Live Ratings to watch their ascent in real-time.