Biography

Grandmaster Arman Mikaelyan’s chess journey began in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, where he was born. At the age of five, it was his grandmother who sparked a flame that would burn brightly throughout his life, introducing him to chess. From that moment, Arman was captivated — a deep passion for the game . Recognizing his potential, his parents enrolled him at the prestigious Henrik Kasparyan Chess School, where he trained under the watchful eye of his first coach, Mrs. Ashkhen Sanoyan. This was just the beginning of an incredible journey. Arman’s relentless dedication to the game led him to work with some of the most renowned coaches in Armenian chess, including an eight-year mentorship under Vladimir Hayrapetyan. Throughout his career, Arman’s development was profoundly shaped by his collaborations with International Master Tigran A. Petrosian, whose chess expertise further refined his skills, as well as the legendary Grandmaster Vladimir Akopian, whose distinctive training methods had a lasting impact on his approach to the game. Each mentor contributed their unique influence, helping him sharpen his mind and continually evolve his style.

In 2015, Arman Mikaelyan was awarded the title of FIDE International Master (IM), and two years later he received the title of FIDE Grandmaster (GM).

Some Notable Achievements

• Six-time Armenian youth medalist (2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
• 2009
  • Champion (U-14), Vice-champion (U-16) "Jermuk-2009" International Open Chess Tournament Under-16
• 2010
  • 2nd place at Genrikh Kasparyan Memorial
  • Tied for 3rd place at the European Youth Chess Championship
• 2011
  • 1st IM norm at the 4th Karen Asrian Memorial
  • Vice-champion of the World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad
• 2013
  • 2nd IM norm at the European Youth Chess Championship
• 2014
  • Tied for 2nd place at 84th Yerevan Ch. Final
  • 3rd place at the 75th Armenian Ch. The 1st League
  • 3rd place at the Armenian Club Championship
• 2015
  • Vice-champion of the Highest League of Armenia, 1st GM norm
  • 2nd GM norm at the European Individual Chess Championship in Jerusalem
• 2016
  • Bronze medal at the Nana Aleksandria Cup
• 2017
  • 3rd GM norm at the European Individual Chess Championship in Minsk
  • Bronze medal at the 2nd Yerevan Open (reached 2500 rating, earned 3 GM norms, became a Grandmaster)
• 2019
  • Bronze medal at the Riga Technical University Open
  • Bronze medal at the 4th International Festival Roma Città Aperta
• 2021
  • Tied for 1st place at 82nd Armenian Ch. The 1st League
  • Tied for 1st place at the Yerevan Open (Memorable victory over Gukesh)
• 2022
  • Winner of the Lone Star Open
  • 3rd place at the 14th Foxwoods Open
  • Tied for 1st place at the World Open
  • Winner of the 27th annual Pacific Coast Open
  • Winner of the Hollywood Chess GM Norm Classic
  • Winner of the Las Vegas Open
  • 2nd place at the American Open
  • Tied for 2nd place at the North American Open
• 2023
  • Winner of the 1000GM LA GM Norm Invitational
  • 2nd place at the Western Class
  • Tied for 2nd place at the World Open
  • Winner of the 28th annual Pacific Coast Open
  • Winner of the Las Vegas Open
  • Winner of the Los Angeles Open
  • Winner of the 58th American Open
• 2024
  • Tied for 1st at the Dreaming King Open
  • Tied for 1st place at the Western Class
  • 2nd place at the 33rd Annual Chicago Open
  • Tied for 1st place at the 1000GM Super Swiss