Grandmaster since 2007, Ian Nepomniachtchi is now at the pinnacle of his career. In February 2023, he reached the world’s #2 position, and his current rating of 2795 is his highest. Combined with invaluable title match experience, he’s all geared up for another attempt to win the chess crown.
The first Chinese player to contend for the chess throne in the Open section, a member of the 2800 rating club, world's #3, Ding Liren is modest in life but tough at the board. His resilience is proven by an unprecedented 100-game unbeaten streak he had in 2017-2018.