GM Timur Gareyev Sets New Guinness World Record with 48 Simultaneous Blindfold Chess Games in Las Vegas

Grandmaster Timur Gareyev Sets New Blindfold Chess Record in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV – December 4, 2023 – In a remarkable display of mental prowess, Grandmaster Timur Gareyev achieved a new world record by playing 48 chess games blindfolded simultaneously over the weekend. The event, held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, began on Saturday morning and concluded in the early hours of Sunday, lasting an impressive 19 hours and 9 minutes.

Gareyev, who originally hails from Uzbekistan but now represents the United States, surpassed the previous records held by FM Marc Lang (46 games) and GM Miguel Najdorf (45 games). With a final score of 35 wins, seven draws, and six losses, Gareyev hopes his achievement will be officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

The event featured 43 on-site opponents and five online challengers, all of whom faced Gareyev without the grandmaster having any visual access to the boards. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators and participants alike captivated by the intensity of the competition. Notably, Gareyev’s parents traveled to Las Vegas to support him during this monumental occasion.

Gareyev’s journey to this record-breaking moment was years in the making. His previous blindfold exhibitions included 33 boards in St. Louis in 2013 and 35 boards earlier this year in Santa Clara, California. This latest achievement not only showcases his extraordinary talent but also his dedication to the game.

Throughout the marathon session, Gareyev maintained an impressive 80.2 percent success rate, a feat that met the stringent criteria for historical recognition. His opponents, with ratings averaging around 1700 and peaking at 2200, provided a formidable challenge.

As part of his unique approach, Gareyev played half of his games with the black pieces, a strategy he believes adds variety to his play. He employs various memory techniques, including a “memory palace” method, to keep track of the numerous games. “Each game is like a room in a palace,” he explained, illustrating how he visualizes moves and positions.

Despite the grueling nature of the event, Gareyev remained energetic, even riding an exercise bike during the simul to maintain his stamina. However, he did experience moments of fatigue, including a humorous incident where he accidentally bumped into a glass door while rushing to greet an opponent.

While Gareyev fell short of his personal goal of 40 wins, he remains optimistic about future endeavors. “This is a cool experience. It’s like a never-ending journey,” he said, expressing plans to tour his home country of Uzbekistan and other regions to continue sharing his passion for chess.

As the chess community eagerly awaits official recognition of his record, Gareyev’s extraordinary achievement stands as a testament to the power of the human mind and the enduring allure of chess.