THE 2020 PRAGUE MASTERS KING RETURNS TO THE GAME!
We bring you news that will make waves across the Czech and international chess scene. One of the biggest stars in modern chess – Alireza Firouzja – is returning to Prague to fight for the title once again!
Longtime PICF fans remember him well from 2020, when at just 16 years old he dominated the main Masters tournament and claimed his very first major international title. Today, the French-Iranian phenomenon is firmly established in the world’s top tier and now returns to Prague to challenge for the prestigious trophy once more.
A look back at 2020: His victory was a dramatic thriller from start to finish. Firouzja entered the event as a last-minute replacement for Wei Yi. What followed was one of the tightest finishes in tournament history, with five players tying for first place on 5/9 points. The championship was decided in a blitz playoff, where Firouzja bested Vidit Gujrathi with a convincing 2–0 sweep. You can revisit the full standings and crosstables in the 2020 Results | Prague Chess Festival section.
Firouzja captivates not only with his uncompromising, dynamic style packed with sacrifices and brilliant tactical turns, but also with controversial decisions and an iron will. Recently, for example, he withdrew from the prestigious Grand Chess Tour series, and in May he competed at Norway Chess with a sprained ankle, battling through pain to defeat world number one Magnus Carlsen. Watching his games in Prague promises not only world-class chess, but also plenty of emotion and drama.