I Beat A Grandmaster In Classical Chess For The 1st Time!

Beating a grandmaster, should you manage it, is obviously a huge milestone for any chess player. These days youngsters are beating grandmasters at younger and younger ages with the current record being just eight years old. At 39 years old though, I had yet to beat a grandmaster in the most prestigious format - OTB Classical Chess. A handful of draws and some wins against International Masters were previously my peak OTB results.

In the 2024 Carolinas Classic, I managed to break through and score a win against GM Julio Sadorra. Not only did I manage to eke out the victory, I managed to do it in fantastic fashion, winning a Sicilian sacrificial assault that is easily one of my best games ever.

I already analyzed the game in @JulesGambit's excellent recap of the event, but here also is my video recap of the game.

GM Sadorra was incredibly kind and genuine after the game, laughing as he extended in his hand in resignation, and chatting about the game, UT Dallas, and our families. I wish him all the best in his coaching career at UT Dallas and am honored to have had the chance to play him.

I was inspired in the game by the game Mikhail Tal vs. Bent Larsen from 1965. I've always enjoyed this game. It's one of my absolute favorite Mikhail Tal games. When deliberating over 14.Nf5!?, I recalled the game and the nature of the sacrifice, finding enough similarities to give me confidence that my sacrifice should work as well.

Thanks to the Charlotte Chess Center for a great event, and I hope to have more chances to compete again soon!