Full Name: Parham Maghsoodloo
Peak FIDE Rating: 2748 (September 2022)
Active Since: 2014 (GM title awarded in 2016)
Federation: Iran 
Player Description:
Parham Maghsoodloo is Iran’s most electrifying chess talent — a Grandmaster known for his fiery attacking style, offbeat openings, and uncompromising will to win. He first drew attention as a teen prodigy with bold play and eccentric confidence. Parham truly burst onto the global stage after winning the World Junior Chess Championship in 2018.
Unlike many classical players, Parham thrives in chaos — from wild Sicilians to hyper-aggressive middlegames — often leaving engines and opponents scrambling. His expressive demeanor, high energy, and fashionably untamed hair make him one of the most charismatic and unorthodox figures in modern chess. Still in his early 20s, Parham is not only the face of Iranian chess but also a symbol of its rising generation, unafraid of any elite name across the board.
Career Scorecard:
World Championship Cycle Appearances:
2019 FIDE World Cup – Eliminated in Round 2
2021 FIDE World Cup – Reached Round 4 (defeated Sethuraman and Vitiugov)
2023 FIDE World Cup – Eliminated in Round 3 by Ian Nepomniachtchi
National Championships:
Iranian Chess Champion: 2017, 2018, 2021
2017 – Won his first national title at just 17 years old with a dominant 9/11 performance.
2018 – Successfully defended his title, showcasing his consistency at the top level.
Olympiad Medals:
2018 Chess Olympiad Batumi
2023 Asian Games (Hangzhou)
2016 Chess Olympiad (Baku)
World Youth Chess Olympiad (U-16)
Tournaments won
World Junior Chess Championship 2018
Asian Continental Blitz Champion 2018
Tata Steel Challengers 2022 (Netherlands)
Sharjah Masters 2019
Asian Hybrid Chess Championship 2021
Memorable Games:
Parham Maghsoodloo vs Andrey Esipenko – Tata Steel Masters 2023
A brilliant positional crush against the rising Russian star. Parham played a flawless game using deep preparation, seized space, and never let go. This was a statement win at one of the most prestigious events of his career.
Parham Maghsoodloo vs Jorden van Foreest – World Junior Championship 2018
A fearless, complex attacking masterpiece where Parham launched a kingside storm, sacrificing material for long-term initiative. This game was key to securing the World Junior title and was widely praised for its energy and clarity.
Parham Maghsoodloo vs Nodirbek Abdusattorov – Tata Steel Challengers 2022
A head-to-head clash of two generational prodigies. Parham outmaneuvered the reigning World Rapid Champion in a sharp middlegame, proving he could out-calculate even the sharpest minds in his age group.
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parham_Maghsoodloo
https://www.chess.com/players/parham-m
aghsoodloo
https://ratings.fide.com/profile/12539929
