🏆 Shortlisted for Best New Author of 2021 🏆
It is well known that in chess, world-class talent can be apparent from a very young age. But leave it to Grandmaster Gawain Jones to really convince you.
At just 9 years old, Gawain blew the chess world away when he defeated an International Master in a FIDE tournament, setting a record as the youngest player in history ever to do so.
In the following years, he went on to win the British U14 and U16 championships, and represented England on the international stage in the World Junior Championship and World Youth Championship. By this point, it was clear that Gawain Jones was destined for a spot in the highest echelon of British chess.
After becoming a grandmaster in 2007, he climbed his way to the top tier with impressive results in several major tournaments. He proved he could battle the best when he defeated former world championship contender Nigel Short in the 2011 Bunratty Masters, going on to win the tournament. But his biggest title came in 2012, when he won the British Championship - a title he would claim a second time in 2017.
And GM Jones dazzles on the world stage just as he does in the UK. In 2016 and 2017, he won the Dubai Open back to back, the only player ever to do so. He is also a continued presence and tremendous asset to the British team in the Chess Olympiads and World Team Chess Championships.
Though an active tournament player to this day, GM Jones also somehow finds time to write detailed books on chess. As an opening specialist, he has written extensively on the Sicilian - specifically, how to beat it. He has now brought his vast opening knowledge to Chessable, where he made his debut with the most thorough guide to the King’s Indian Defense on the site - and perhaps anywhere.
Check out GM Jones’ work below, and stay tuned for more from this British chess sensation.
