Who Is Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan? Meet the 10-Year-Old Who Just Made Global Chess History

In a groundbreaking moment for the world of chess, 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan from northwest London has made history by becoming the youngest female player ever to defeat a Grandmaster. Her triumph came during the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool, where she bested 60-year-old Grandmaster Pete Wells in a match that stunned spectators and seasoned professionals alike.

This remarkable victory, achieved at just 10 years, five months, and three days, officially surpasses the previous record held by American chess prodigy Carissa Yip, who was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days when she defeated a grandmaster in 2019. The achievement, confirmed by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), has not only placed Bodhana in the global spotlight but also earned her the Woman International Master (WIM) title—one step below the Woman Grandmaster rank.

Who is prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan and why is her record-breaking victory historic?

Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan represents the future of chess—a sport that demands not just intelligence and strategy but exceptional discipline and focus. Her rise to prominence is especially inspiring considering her humble beginnings. According to her father, speaking to the BBC in 2024, “nobody at all” in their family had excelled at chess before Bodhana.

Her introduction to the game came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when she was just five years old. A friend of her father’s gifted them a collection of books and toys, sparking Bodhana’s interest in the strategic game that would soon become her life’s passion.

What makes her victory even more compelling is not just the record it broke, but the maturity and skill she displayed against an experienced opponent. Grandmaster Pete Wells, a stalwart in British chess, acknowledged her talent with grace following the match, underscoring just how significant her achievement is for the sport.

Why Bodhana’s win matters in the world of chess

Bodhana’s win is more than a personal milestone—it signals a broader shift in chess demographics and opportunities. The chess world has long been male-dominated, but young players like Bodhana are paving the way for a new era of inclusivity and international representation. Her record follows closely behind that of another young prodigy, Keya Jha from the United States, who just hours later became the youngest American female to defeat a Grandmaster, at 10 years, 9 months, and 2 days.

Both achievements occurred on the same day—August 10, 2025—marking it as one of the most memorable dates in chess history. While Keya’s win set a national record, Bodhana’s feat holds global significance.

With this victory, Bodhana now holds Woman International Master status. Though distinct from the title of Grandmaster, which remains the highest in chess and is currently held by luminaries like Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh Dommaraju, it positions her within a highly elite circle of rising stars.

Expert analysis and what lies ahead for Bodhana

Chess experts and coaches have called Bodhana’s style “aggressively intuitive,” often combining classical strategy with unexpected tactical flourishes. This kind of cognitive flexibility at such a young age is rare and signals a potentially revolutionary player in the making.

Bodhana is expected to receive invitations to elite international tournaments and exhibitions in the coming months. Her ascent may also inspire a new wave of interest in chess among young girls across the UK and globally.

Her continued training, mentorship, and exposure to global competition will determine how far she can go—but with this landmark victory, she has already etched her name in history.

Bodhana Sivanandan’s record-breaking victory is not just a personal triumph—it’s a turning point in the evolution of chess as a truly global, inclusive, and youth-driven game.

For your information:

Who is Bodhana Sivanandan in chess?
Bodhana Sivanandan is a British chess prodigy who became the youngest female in history to defeat a Grandmaster at age 10 years, five months, and three days during the 2025 British Chess Championships.

What record did Bodhana Sivanandan break?
She broke the record for the youngest female to defeat a Grandmaster, previously held by Carissa Yip, who was nearly six months older at the time of her historic win.

What title did Bodhana earn after her victory?
Following her historic win, Bodhana earned the Woman International Master (WIM) title, awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).

When and where did Bodhana Sivanandan make history?
She made chess history on August 10, 2025, during the final round of the British Chess Championships held in Liverpool.

Who did Bodhana Sivanandan defeat to set the world record?
She defeated Grandmaster Pete Wells, a 60-year-old British chess veteran, in the championship’s final round.