Clash of Generations III, pitting former World Champion Veselin Topalov against 14-year-old Turkish superstar Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş, is going to take place 12-17 April in Monaco. This is the third edition of the “Clash of Generations” series. Erdoğmuş previously faced Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (drawing five and winning one) and Peter Svidler, proving he can hold his own against 2700+ veterans. Now he takes on a former World Champion in a longer classical format.The rating gap is small (Topalov ~30 Elo ahead), but the age difference—37 years—makes it a fascinating psychological and stylistic battle. Erdoğmuş has already shown he can compete at the highest level; a strong performance here could push him toward the 2700 club and further solidify his status as one of chess’s brightest young stars. For Topalov, it’s a chance to demonstrate that experience and fighting spirit still matter against the new generation.
Live games will be daily on Chessdom.com with extra video coverage and updates on Twitter/X
Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria, rated 2717): The 2005 FIDE World Champion and one of the most aggressive and creative players of his generation. At 51, Topalov brings decades of high-level experience, including multiple World Championship matches and a peak world ranking of No. 1.
Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş (Turkey, rated 2687): A prodigious 14-year-old Grandmaster (born 2011) from Bursa. Already Turkey’s top player and one of the fastest-rising talents in chess history, Erdoğmuş has been turning heads with fearless play and remarkable results against top opposition.
Match format
6-Games Match | April 12-17
Time control: 90 min/40 moves, then 30 min, with a 30-second increment (Classical)
Organized by the Monaco Chess Federation
Supported by Evren Ucok
Topalov – Erdogmus schedule
Games are scheduled daily at 19:30 ICT (broadcast time; likely corresponding to local Monaco time or a standard evening slot for European viewers). Colors alternate, with Topalov having White in Game 1:
- Game 1: April 12 Topalov (White) vs. Erdoğmuş
- Game 2: April 13 Erdoğmuş (White) vs. Topalov
- Game 3: April 14 Topalov (White) vs. Erdoğmuş
- Game 4: April 15 Erdoğmuş (White) vs. Topalov
- Game 5: April 16 Topalov (White) vs. Erdoğmuş
- Game 6: April 17 Erdoğmuş (White) vs. Topalov