Meet Santiago Aurelio German: The 22-year-old Filipino chess prodigy on the path to grandmaster glory

Dubai: At just 22 years old, Santiago Aurelio German is already making waves in the international chess scene, rising through the ranks with determination, strategic brilliance, and a passion for the game. From his early days as an unbeatable high school champion to his current pursuit of the coveted Grandmaster title, German’s journey has been one of relentless growth and success. Based in Dubai and a university student at the University of Warwick, he’s earned respect from grandmasters and continues to inspire the next generation of chess players. Join us as we explore his inspiring path, the challenges he’s overcome, and his relentless drive to reach the pinnacle of chess.

From humble beginnings to triumph

German’s chess journey began at the age of 14, when the logical intricacies and mental challenges of the game captivated him. “I was drawn to chess’s deep complexity, its infinite possibilities,” he recalls. His skill rapidly grew, and by high school, he was virtually unbeatable. “I never lost a single game in those hundreds of matches with classmates,” he shares with pride. This passion eventually led him to an important milestone—founding and captaining the first-ever Chess Club at the American International School of Jeddah in 2018. "It was amazing to create a space where others could share the same excitement for chess that I felt,” he adds.

German’s early experiences in chess weren’t always smooth. “My first-ever chess tournament, in the Philippines at age 15, was humbling—I lost six straight games,” he admits. But instead of being defeated by the setback, it became a turning point. “I managed to draw my last game, which felt like a huge win,” he recalls. This experience taught him resilience, and since then, his growth has been unstoppable. “I’ve never had a result that bad again,” he laughs.

In pursuit to success

German, who lives in Dubai for four years, attributes much of his success to his adaptability. “Chess is constantly evolving. To stay relevant at high-level tournaments, you have to keep innovating,” he explains. At a time when opponents often research his every move, German knows that unpredictability is key. “I mix up my openings and strategies so no one can anticipate me," he says. This willingness to adapt has been a crucial component in his rise.

When asked about his daily practice routine, German’s commitment is clear. He plays chess for a couple of hours each day, often against strong online opponents. But his preparation isn’t just about playing; it’s about improvement. “I analyze my games with engines like Stockfish to identify areas where I can improve my play,” he explains. His university also offers a strong chess community, making it easy to find challenging opponents.

While German is largely self-taught, he acknowledges the impact of his mentors. “I’ve learned so much from watching world champions like Magnus Carlsen and Anatoly Karpov,” he says. One of his most influential mentors has been Grandmaster Keith Arkell, whose career has shaped German’s understanding of the game’s deeper nuances.

International tournaments: The ultimate test

Competing on the global chess stage? It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. German has faced off in tournaments across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and beyond, always up against some of the fiercest competitors from all corners of the globe. "No matter where I play, once the pieces start moving, I always feel at home," he says. One game that stands out was his breathtaking victory over Candidate Master Duane Rowe at the Dubai Police Global Chess Challenge—a stunning knight sacrifice made it one of his proudest moments.

For German, every win is a rush, but it’s his triumph at the 2023 Asian Amateur Chess Championship that still brings him the most joy. "Winning is always amazing, especially when I can share it with my family and friends," he says. But it's the losses that fuel his growth. "I never let a loss go to waste," he shares. "I analyze it, learn from it, and come back even stronger."

With his sights set on the Grandmaster title, German is pushing himself relentlessly. "It's every chess player's dream," he admits. And beyond the board, chess is his gateway to adventure. "It’s given me the chance to see the world, and I’m eager to keep exploring," he adds.

A rewarding journey

This March, German is heading to the Pilsen Open in the Czech Republic, and it promises to be another thrilling challenge. "Open tournaments are exciting because they bring together a diverse range of players," he says. "The competition will be tough, but that’s what I love. Plus, the Czech Republic has such a rich chess culture—it’s an honor to compete there."

Of course, traveling for international tournaments is no small feat. German is always on the lookout for sponsors to cover flights, accommodations, and entry fees. "My parents have been my rock through all of this," he says. "Their unwavering support keeps me grounded and focused."

And sometimes, a breakthrough moment makes all the difference. German secured partial sponsorship for the World Amateur Championship in Greece after his victory at the Asian Amateur Championship in 2023. That kind of support lets him zero in on what matters most: the game. Each milestone, on and off the board, brings him one step closer to his ultimate goal—and the journey is only getting more exciting.

The road ahead: A champion in the making

For German, chess isn’t just about moves on the board—it’s all about mindset. “Attitude wins games,” he says with fierce determination. “A lot of players mentally check out before the game is even over, but if you believe in yourself, you can turn losses into draws and draws into wins.” With his relentless dedication, unshakable resilience, and ever-evolving strategies, German is becoming a force to be reckoned with. His dream of becoming a Grandmaster is no longer a distant goal—it’s within striking distance. And with every game, every challenge, he’s one move closer to claiming that title. The road ahead? It’s bright, and German is just getting started. Watch this space—he’s a champion in the making.