When you are playing or watching chess, what do we typically expect a chess player to wear? Perhaps, formal plain shirt, trouser and blazer, that’s most of the people would imagine. Now, here we have Levon Aronian (one of the strongest GMs over the last 15 years)! Many times, his opponent would be greeted with bright, colorful, floral and design pattern shirts.
(Aronian is famous for his choice of shirts – colorful and bright)
Levon has been a universal player winning multiple major top classical chess tournaments, chess world cup (2 times), world rapid and blitz chess championship. He has been 6th player in the history to cross 2800 Elo rating and 4th highest rating ever (2830) only behind Carlsen, Kasparov and Caruana.
Before a few months over the board chess stopped due to pandemic, Levon had travelled all the way to South Africa to promote chess. For those who follow cricket, just like the South African cricket team, despite being very strong over decades, could never lift the Cricket World Cup. What South Africa is to cricket, is what Aronian for Chess! Yet to lift the World Championship title! We wish all the good luck for Levon to enter the championship.
“The chess world is a better place when Aronian is playing well!“ These words of Garry Kasparov in 2015! Isn’t this qualify as one of the best compliments a chess player can receive? Viswanathan Anand called Aronian “a very gifted tactician”. Gelfand described Aronian as “the most striking player around, with the highest creative level and original ideas.
(6-time world Champion Garry Kasparov has immense respect for Levon Aronian)
Levon plays his moves with left hand but as in chess we need to write moves, Aronian uses his right hand! If you observe him playing, he has a unique way of stretching his back, folding sleeves of his shirt which is almost his trademark. Don’t miss out to see how he does a handshake by nodding his head giving the respect to the opponent – a point to learn!
Many chess GMs get visibly disturbed after a loss and it becomes evident in press conferences. Here, Levon stands class apart. His ability to maintain composure and calmness is praiseworthy. Sportsmanship he displays is regarded and has just added to his huge follower base.
(Levon is a big star in his country Armenia)
Levon was born and raised in Armenia, led his country team at Chess Olympiad with 3 gold medals in 2006, 2008 & 2012. Aronian has also won the chess world cup twice (2005 & 2017)! Aronian is known for his patriotism and love for his country Armenia.
Recently, Levon decided to represent the United States of America for Chess. This came as a surprise to the world of chess but Aronian communicated from his twitter handle that nothing changes between him and Armenia. He stated that he would always be there for his country.
We wait to see such a creative and a strong GM back on the chess board
