Xue Haowen: The Inspiring Journey of China’s Newest Grandmaster

Follow Xue Haowen’s journey from a passionate chess student to Shenzhen’s first Grandmaster, guided by GM Zeng Chongsheng, with stories of perseverance, triumph, and unwavering dreams.

In the final round of the historic 98th Hastings Open in the UK, Xue Haowen secured the championship with an impressive performance: 5 wins, 4 draws, and 7 points in 9 rounds.

His performance rating of 2644 earned him his third and final Grandmaster norm, officially granting him the Grandmaster title. Xue Haowen’s achievement marks a milestone, as he becomes the first International Grandmaster in Shenzhen’s history.

Xue Haowen also ranked 16th of the Top Chess Prodigies to Watch in 2025, with a score of 69, according to our Overall Index. Read more about the index here:

A Remarkable Beginning

It all began in the summer of 2017 when a young student joined my elite chess class. Always eager to participate, he would be the first to answer my questions, displaying a raw but remarkable talent for the game. His moves, though sometimes incomplete, were infused with a unique creativity that immediately caught my attention.

In one particular session, I paired him with a girl from the class. Playing Black, he chose the Sicilian Najdorf and launched a ferocious attack. Despite losing the game, his potential was unmistakable. Watching him during the match, I noticed how his eyes frequently glanced at me, as if seeking validation: “Teacher Zeng, look at my move. Isn’t it creative? Isn’t it cool?”

His enthusiasm and daring approach to the game reminded me of my own youth. It was as though a younger version of myself had appeared before me, and I couldn’t help but feel both nostalgic and excited.

Early Milestones

After that summer class, I led a team to compete internationally for the first time. Meanwhile, Xue Haowen participated in the Guangdong Provincial Competition, where he and a classmate claimed the top two spots in the U9 category.

Later that year, I had my own unforgettable moment in Sweden, where I tied for first place with chess legend Alexei Shirov. The person taking our photo was none other than Pia Cramling. These experiences broadened my perspective, and Xue Haowen’s journey coincided perfectly with this transformative period in my career.

In the spring of 2018, after just six months of training, Xue Haowen and his classmates achieved another milestone by finishing first and second in the highly competitive U10 category of the Li Chengzhi Cup. This remarkable accomplishment affirmed their potential. That year, other students of mine, like Zhao Yunqing (U8 girls’ champion) and Feng Yu, also demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, filling me with confidence and hope for the future.

Challenges and Growth

Success is never a straight path. The summer of 2018 saw us spending a month in Europe, living, eating, and competing together. During this time, I focused on helping Xue Haowen overcome his chess-related anxieties. Although he failed to qualify for the World Youth Championship in Spain that year, this setback became a valuable learning experience.

By 2019, at just 10 years and 2 months old, Xue Haowen was competing in the U12 category of the Li Chengzhi Cup and secured fourth place. He had begun to master game preparation and analysis, skills he used to defeat a strong opponent in the final round using the Catalan Opening—a line I had taught him two years prior.

In class, his enthusiasm was boundless. Always quick to answer and often anticipating my questions, he sometimes dominated discussions, prompting me to ask him to stand in the corner so other students could participate. Yet even this couldn’t dampen his thirst for knowledge or his passion for chess.

White to move and mate in 7. Could you find the sequence? This position is taken from Xue Haowen’s win against GM Pierre Laurent-Paoli in the 8th round of the Caplin Hastings Masters 2024

The Role of Family

Behind every great player is a supportive family. Xue’s father instilled in him a deep appreciation for chess history, while his mother balanced his academic studies and overall development. Their dedication helped shape a well-rounded individual whose character shines as brightly as his chess skills.

Competitive Spirit and Rapid Improvement

To challenge him further, I often played blitz games with him, betting on drinks to make the matches exciting. Gradually, I gave myself less time on the clock—from 3 minutes to 30 seconds—until he owed me hundreds of drinks. Through these games, his tactical awareness and speed improved dramatically.

The spring of 2020 brought the pandemic, but it also became a period of quiet growth. While competing in Europe, I encountered rising stars like Gukesh Dommaraju, whose resilience and tenacity inspired me to push my own limits. Meanwhile, Xue Haowen used the downtime to immerse himself in online lessons, often answering questions non-stop for hours. His dedication ensured that the Grandmaster title was only a matter of time.

Breakthrough Performances

At the 2023 Dubai Open, Xue Haowen delivered a stunning performance, finishing 8th with a performance rating above 2700. This achievement reminded me of my own early career, when I had to teach chess to fund my first major tournament. Success, I realized, is not a dream but a natural byproduct of hard work and persistence.

Later that year, we attended the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Samarkand, where we witnessed Magnus Carlsen’s dominance and thrilling encounters with top players like Fabiano Caruana and Jan-Krzysztof Duda. These experiences broadened our horizons and deepened our aspirations.

In 2024, at the Arona Open in Spain, Xue Haowen showcased his maturity, winning the championship with 6 wins and 4 draws, earning his second Grandmaster norm. His rating performance in 2024 was 2544, much higher than his Elo too. He might reached the GM level of play from months or even years ago.

Check out his win against GM Alexander Kovchan in the 7th round of the Caplin Hastings Masters 2024, when he sacked a rook for a queen.

The Final Step

Xue Haowen’s trip to the UK was initially meant to explore universities. However, by participating in the prestigious Hastings Open, he seized the opportunity to secure his Grandmaster title at just 16 years old. With an international rating of 2518, he now ranks as the top Chinese youth player.

Xue Haowen’s success is a testament to the collective effort of his family, coaches, and the broader chess community. His journey marks a historic moment for Shenzhen chess, setting a shining example for future generations.

For Xue Haowen, this is just the beginning. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and unwavering dedication—a true inspiration for all who dare to dream big.

By GM Zeng Chongsheng | January 3, 2025