Since 1886, when the title of world champion in chess was established, this is the first time a Greek chess player has won the title of acting world champion. It is 25-year-old Nikola Theodorou from Rethymno, who defeated the reigning World Champion, 19-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju of India, in Uzbekistan.

Their warm congratulations to grandmaster Nicolas Theodorou for his recent international success in chess were expressed by the mayor of Rethymnon, George H. Marinakis, and the Deputy Mayor of Sports Nikos Provias. The chess player from Rethymnon prevailed over the World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, in one of the top tournaments of the year, the FIDE Grand Swiss, which confirms the great talent of the young chess player from Rethymnon.

Nikolas Theodorou started his chess steps in the Chess Club of Rethymnon. He subsequently won the title of grandmaster in 2021 and is the first chess player of the National Team. He has already recorded great victories against top international players such as Caruana, Aronian, Erigaisi and Radjabov.

On the occasion of Nicolas Theodoros’ new success, the mayor expressed his warm congratulations and said: “We are proud of the champion from Rethymnon. He is an example to be emulated and a source of inspiration for all young people who love the top spiritual sport”.

For his part, the Deputy Mayor of Sports, Mr. Provias, pointed out that “Nicholas Theodorou, with his talent and obviously with his hard work, dedication, ethics and militancy, honors Rethymno and our country internationally”.