Teimour Radjabov
An Azerbaijani chess prodigy who shocked the world by beating Garry Kasparov as a teenager and became a pillar of his nation's rise in the game.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Azerbaijani chess grandmaster·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
Teimour Radjabov announced himself to the chess world with the force of a lightning strike. In 2003, at just 15 years old, he defeated the reigning world champion Garry Kasparov in a stunning upset at the Linares tournament, instantly becoming a symbol of the new generation. Hailing from Baku, he carried the hopes of Azerbaijan's burgeoning chess culture on his shoulders. Radjabov's style was solid, profound, and exceptionally prepared, making him a feared opponent in elite tournaments and a key board for his national team. His career is a narrative of consistent top-tier performance, culminating in a victory at the 2019 FIDE World Cup, which earned him a place in the Candidates Tournament and cemented his status as one of the world's most formidable players.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Teimour was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Teimour Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Teimour's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2019 FIDE World Cup, securing a spot in the Candidates Tournament to decide the World Championship challenger.
- Became a chess grandmaster at the age of 14, one of the youngest in history at the time.
- Led the Azerbaijani team to gold medals at the European Team Chess Championships in 2009 and 2013.
- Achieved a peak FIDE rating of over 2760, placing him firmly among the world's top ten players.
Did You Know?
He famously defeated Garry Kasparov in 2003 using the Sicilian Defense, a favorite opening of his.
Radjabov is known for his deep theoretical preparation, particularly in sharp opening variations.
He served as a second to former World Champion Viswanathan Anand for a period.
“To beat a champion, you must first not fear the legend.”
