Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

Born on 21 October 1990 in Nogent-sur-Marne, near Paris, France, the son of a computer engineer father and a teacher mother.

Learned to read and count on his own at age four; his father, an engineer and chess amateur, gave him a chess set for his fifth birthday.

Joined a chess club in Créteil at age six, where he was detected as a talent. He won the French Under-8 Championship in his first year of competition.

His father took him to a local club when he was six, and he played his first three tournaments that year.

After obtaining his baccalauréat, he enrolled in a mathematics degree at university, treating it like a hobby.

Earned a BA in mathematics in 2010, after which he decided to take up chess professionally.

One of the strongest players in the world, ranked as high as No. 5; a World Championship Candidate on multiple occasions.

Became the 8th youngest Grandmaster in history at age 14 years and 4 months.

Won the World Junior Championship (Young Masters in Lausanne) in 2006 at age 16.

Became French Champion at age 16 years and 10 months, the second youngest French champion in history.

Known for his aggressive, dynamic style and his deep opening preparation; the leading specialist of the Grünfeld Defence.

Represents France and is a key member of the French national team.

MVL's nickname is "The French Connection" or simply "MVL."

He has said: "Aux échecs il faut être prêt à affronter toutes les situations" (In chess you must be ready to face all situations).

He is known for his humility and his thoughtful approach to the game, as reflected in his book Joueur d'échecs.

"Aux échecs il faut être prêt à affronter toutes les situations, forcément je suis plus en confiance quand je gagne car chaque échec amène l'échec pour les parties suivantes."

"Une partie c'est vraiment une question de concentration, on ne peut pas se relâcher un moment."

Joueur d'échecs: Il faut parfois faire un petit sacrifice pour prendre l'avantage (2017) — his autobiography and reflections on chess.