Leinier Dominguez Perez

Born on 23 September 1983 in Havana, Cuba.

Learned to play chess at the age of 7. Considered a top young talent, he achieved his first grandmaster norm at 15 and received his GM title at 17.

From an early age, Leinier was considered the true heir of José Raúl Capablanca in Cuban chess.

Largely self-taught at the highest level, he developed his game through the strong Cuban chess system and intense competition.

Five-time Cuban Chess Champion (2002, 2003, 2006, 2012, 2016) and World Blitz Champion in 2008.

Reached a peak rating of 2768 and was among the top 10 players in the world, the highest-ranked Cuban player since Capablanca.

Won the Capablanca Memorial three times and numerous other international tournaments.

In December 2018, he transferred federations and began representing the United States.

Known for his solid, positional style and his exceptional endgame technique.

Dominguez has said: "I don't want to be someone who plays chess and leaves his life. I play chess because it's what I like, and if it's at the highest level, better."

He is known for his humility and his thoughtful approach to the game, often reflecting on the balance between chess and life.

"I don't want to be someone who plays chess and leaves his life. I play chess because it's what I like, and if it's at the highest level, better."

"I have to improve my chess a lot, but the important thing is that I have the desire, the motivation, and the ideas about how to continue preparing and improving my game."

Dominguez: Move by Move by Cyrus Lakdawala — a modern instructional work on his best games.

Leinier Dominguez: Selected Games — a collection of his finest games.