Chess varuzhan akobian biography

Varuzhan Akobian was born November 19, 1983, in Yerevan, Armenia. He began playing chess at age 5, when his family moved to Mongolia. Due to harsh weather, “Var” and his sister were encouraged to stay indoors. His father introduced them to the game on a small wooden folding board. In these circumstances, Var’s intense love of chess was born.

The Akobian family returned to Armenia when Var was 7, and he began studying at Tigran Petrosian Chess House, home of the chess academy created by the Armenian Ministry of Education for talented players. Here, Var received instruction from his first coaches, Gagik Sargissian and IM Ashot Nadanian. Vahag Grigorian, a high-ranking Minister in the Armenian government, provided financial support so Varuzhan could compete outside of Armenia.

In 1992, Var qualified to play in his first rated tournament, the Armenian Junior Chess Championship, which was the most prestigious chess national tournament. He earned 3rd place in the under 10 (years) section. The next year he defeated every player in his section and earned 1st place – a f