Levon Aronian Leaves Armenia to Represent US

Levon Aronian, the 38-year-old chess grandmaster, announced he is leaving Armenia to represent the United States.

What happened?

Aronian cited Armenian officials' indifference to chess as one reason for his decision. He made the announcement on his Facebook page, referencing a difficult year with pandemic and war.

Why it matters for Levon Aronian

The move follows political unrest in Armenia, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan condemning an attempted coup. Aronian's decision is a big loss for Armenian chess, according to Smbat Lputian, deputy head of the Armenian Chess Federation.

What comes next?

The US Chess Federation welcomed Aronian's decision to relocate to the United States. The Saint Louis Chess Club said Aronian would continue his career in the US city and represent the United States at future competitions. Aronian is ranked sixth in the world, as of the latest available ranking. He will be valued in the United States, according to Mike Hoffpauir, president of the US Chess Federation. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) said a player can represent the country where he resides, but it does not necessarily imply a change in nationality. Aronian's move was announced on Friday, after six weeks of fighting between ethnic Armenian and Azeri forces over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The Armenian Chess Federation regrets Aronian's decision, but the US Chess Federation is excited to have him represent the United States. Aronian's Facebook post mentioned personal adversity and the state's absolute indifference towards Armenian chess. He was faced with a choice: quit his job or move to where he is valued, Aronian wrote. The US city of Saint Louis will be Aronian's new home, as he continues his chess career.