Lu Miaoyi is not your everyday teenager. Born in February 2010, this Chinese chess star is already an International Master (IM) with a peak FIDE rating of 2449. At just 15 years old, she ranks as the No. 2 junior girl in the world—only behind Divya Deshmukh—and is the reigning Chinese women’s national champion. Her rise in the chess world is as inspiring as it is rapid, and her journey is full of hard work, family support, and even a little humor along the way.
Early Beginnings and Family Ties
Lu was born into a family that lives and breathes chess. Her mother, Xu Yuanyuan, is a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) who once ran her own chess club, and her grandfather, Xu Tao, was a passionate amateur who even won a junior championship in Beijing when he was young. It seems that chess was in the family DNA!
At the tender age of three, while most kids are busy learning to walk or say their first words, Lu Miaoyi was introduced to the checkered world of chess. Spending time at her mother’s chess club, she quickly absorbed the basics—probably even faster than most children learn their ABCs. By the age of five, she played her first FIDE-rated tournament, and at seven, her mother began teaching her chess in a more formal way. One might say that while other kids were building with blocks, Lu was building winning strategies.
Early Career: Making Moves and Breaking Records
Lu’s talent soon became impossible to ignore. By the time she was nearly 10, she had already reached a rating of 2200. One of her early breakthroughs came at the Liberec Open in the Czech Republic, where she finished in ninth place. Soon after, she took home the title at the Belgrade International Women’s Grandmaster Chess Tournament, impressing many with a performance rating near 2400. Even at such a young age, Lu was turning heads on the international stage—proving that age is just a number when it comes to playing chess.
There’s even a lighthearted rumor among chess fans that when Lu was three, she might have been giving her teddy bears a run for their money on the chessboard!
Rapid Rise: Earning Titles and Norms
Between 2022 and 2023, Lu Miaoyi collected a series of impressive achievements:
- Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Norms: In November 2022, during the Serbian Women’s League, she stunned spectators by defeating International Master Lilit Mkrtchian in just 18 moves. She went on to earn her remaining WGM norms in 2023 and was awarded the WGM title by the end of the year.
- International Master (IM) Milestones: Although she reached a live rating of 2400 in early 2023, it wasn’t until 2024 that Lu clinched her IM title. In a whirlwind two months, she earned three crucial IM norms at the Vandœuvre Open, the Sevilla Open, and the Kragerø Resort International. Her success continued with an extra norm at the Reykjavik Open, pushing her into the women’s top 50 and achieving a published rating of 2400 for the first time.
Her journey reminds many that while the chessboard may seem like a place of quiet calculation, sometimes it can also feel like a high-speed roller coaster—except here, the loops are made of brilliant moves and daring tactics!
National Champion and International Recognition
In May 2024, Lu Miaoyi reached another major milestone by becoming the Chinese Women’s Champion. As the top seed, she battled through tough competition and emerged victorious in a tense blitz playoff against Ni Shiqun. This win not only crowned her national title but also earned her a spot on China’s 2024 Women’s Olympiad team.
Today, as of February 2025, Lu stands as the reigning champion in China and continues to shine on the international stage. Her blend of natural talent, rigorous training, and fearless competition has made her an inspiration to many young players around the globe.
A Unique Playing Style and Winning Attitude
Lu Miaoyi’s approach to chess is both creative and calculated. Known for her independent thinking, she often surprises her opponents with fresh ideas on the board. Some say her mind works so quickly that it’s almost like she has a mini supercomputer hidden behind her eyes! Her style combines careful planning with bold moves, and while she takes the game seriously, there’s room for a little humor too—after all, not every brilliant move needs to be as serious as a knight’s tour.
Her willingness to learn from every game, win or lose, shows a maturity well beyond her years. Even when disagreements arise between her and her ever-supportive mother, Xu Yuanyuan, they work together to learn and grow. “Sometimes we don’t see eye-to-eye on a move,” Xu jokes, “but I always let her have the final say—after all, she’s the one who’s winning the games!”
Life on the Tournament Circuit
Traveling across Europe and competing in international tournaments has become a regular part of Lu’s life. Despite the challenges of long journeys and fierce competition, she handles it all with grace—and sometimes a smile. Imagine being a 15-year-old who not only handles jet lag but also faces adult International Masters in high-stakes games!
Her travels have taken her to many exciting places, from the cold winters of Serbia to the bustling cities of Europe. While there have been moments of hardship (like making do with simple meals in a small pot of noodles during long tournament stays), these experiences have only made her more resilient. They also offer a few laughs—after all, who knew that a world champion in the making would also become an expert in cooking “tournament cuisine”?
Looking Forward: Dreams and Determination
For Lu Miaoyi, the journey is far from over. Her sights are set not only on further solidifying her standing as one of the top players in the world but also on reaching even greater heights—like earning a Grandmaster title one day. With her strong work ethic, continuous improvement, and natural flair for the game, the future looks very bright for this young prodigy.
Her story is a shining example of how passion, family support, and a bit of humor can pave the way for remarkable achievements. Lu continues to inspire many young chess enthusiasts in China and around the world. With each move on the board, she reminds us that age is no barrier to greatness—and that sometimes, the best strategy is to simply enjoy the game.
Read More: Ju Wenjun: Achieving a Historical Chess Grand Slam
Conclusion
As we celebrate Lu Miaoyi’s journey in 2025, it’s clear that this young chess star is rewriting the playbook on what it means to be a prodigy. From learning the game at a very young age to conquering international tournaments and national championships, Lu has shown that with talent, hard work, and a supportive family, dreams can indeed come true.
Keep an eye on the board—because Lu Miaoyi is just getting started, and the best moves may still be ahead.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet.