Young Chess Prodigy Megan Paragua Shines at 2025 Grenke Chess Open A

Title: 12-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Megan Paragua Earns FIDE Master Title at Grenke Chess Open

In a stunning display of talent and skill, 12-year-old WFM Megan Paragua has captured the attention of the chess world with her remarkable performance at the 2025 Grenke Chess Open A. Despite her young age, Megan put up a performance rating of 2506 by round seven, showcasing grandmaster-level strength in her gameplay.

After a draw with GM Mikheil Kekelidze, Megan crossed the 2300 rating threshold, making her eligible for the prestigious FIDE master title. This achievement was a significant milestone for the young prodigy, who gained an impressive 79 rating points in just one tournament.

Megan’s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. The niece of Filipino-American GM Mark Paragua, she is already the 2025 All Girls u18 national champion and the FIDE number-one for girls under 13. Her list of accolades includes gold medals at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Cadet Chess Championship 2024 and the 2024 New York State K-12 All Girls Championship.

Despite facing some setbacks in the final rounds of the Grenke Open, Megan’s performance has solidified her position as a rising star in the world of chess. With a published FIDE rating of 2199, experts predict that her rating will spike even higher in the upcoming rating list.

In an interview, Megan expressed her excitement about achieving the FM title and her passion for the game. She also shared her interests in drawing, painting, and playing the guitar, showcasing her diverse talents beyond the chessboard.

Looking ahead, Megan is set to compete in the 2025 ChessKid Youth Championships and the U.S. SuperNationals VIII, where she will represent Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School. Her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to young girls everywhere, proving that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible in the world of chess.

As Megan continues to break barriers and set new records, the chess world eagerly awaits to see what the future holds for this exceptional young talent.