At just 20 years old, Vincent Keymer has already made a significant mark in the world of chess, having been a grandmaster for six years. After graduating from high school in 2023, he turned professional and currently sits at an impressive 20th place in the global rankings. This achievement holds particular significance as no German player has reached such heights since the late grandmaster Robert Hübner over 50 years ago.

While Keymer is proud of his current ranking, he remains focused on his long-term goals. “Top 20 is nice, but it's not where I want to be in the long term,” he shares. His sights are set on qualifying for the Candidates Tournament for the 2026 World Championship—a monumental step that could eventually lead him to compete for the world title.

A Role in History: Supporting the Champ

Keymer's involvement in chess recently gained attention when it was revealed that he played a pivotal role in helping the current World Chess Champion, 18-year-old Dommaraju Gukesh from India, prepare for his victory over Ding Liren in a thrilling championship match before Christmas. Keymer was among the team of 'seconds' assisting Gukesh, focusing particularly on opening strategies.

“The first few moves can change the entire game,” Keymer explains. He worked diligently alongside two other grandmasters in a villa in Spain, employing sophisticated analysis on their computers to strategize the optimal moves. This synergy between human intellect and artificial intelligence has transformed professional chess over the years.

The AI Revolution in Chess

Chess has increasingly relied on computer assistance since the landmark match in 1997 when IBM's Deep Blue defeated then-world champion Garry Kasparov. Fast forward to 2017, and the game saw another revolution with the introduction of Google's AI program, AlphaZero. This self-learning AI analyzed countless position variations, rewriting the rulebook on many classic openings that players had developed over decades.

Despite these advancements, Keymer asserts that the game is evolving in exciting ways. “Now it’s getting interesting again,” he claims. Many younger players, including himself, are keen on avoiding stale draws and exploring new territory in their gameplay. This adaptation gives rise to lesser-known variations, enriching the game but also introducing risks, especially under time constraints.

A Diverging Path: Carlsen and Classic Chess

Not everyone in the chess world shares Keymer's enthusiasm for this new direction. Former world champion Magnus Carlsen, who continues to hold the No. 1 spot, has opted to focus on faster formats of the game and appears skeptical about exploring new openings with AI's assistance. Yet, Keymer remains committed to classic chess, where he delights in the intricate challenges it presents.

Furthermore, Keymer practices a chess variant known as "Fischer Random," introduced by legendary US champion Bobby Fischer. In this format, the starting position is randomized, eliminating predictable openings—a feature that appeals to many players looking for spontaneity and strategic creativity. This variant is gaining traction thanks to efforts by Hamburg entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, who is dedicated to promoting it through a sponsored tournament series featuring top players like Carlsen, Gukesh, and Keymer himself.

Upcoming Challenges on the Horizon

Excitement looms for Keymer as he gears up for his next competition—a classic tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, often referred to as the "Wimbledon of Chess." The event promises rigorous competition, especially as he aims to go head-to-head with Gukesh once again. Keymer emphasizes, “The preparation for Wijk aan Zee is already at a similar level to a World Championship,” showcasing the high stakes and standards he holds.

As Vincent Keymer embarks on this journey, the chess world watches closely, eager to witness how he melds traditional strategies with modern innovations. The stage is set, and all eyes will be on Keymer to see what fresh surprises he has in store for his opponents—particularly Gukesh—in their quest for chess greatness.