GMLev Zverev

Lev Zverev began chess at four, encouraged by his father, who gave him problems to solve. His older sister was initially the stronger player, giving him someone to try to catch. In 2019, he began training with Yakov Geller. Zverev credits Geller with teaching him independent study and ways to handle competitive stress. He became European under-10 champion in rapid and blitz chess and earned the international master title in 2024.

At the 2026 Aeroflot Open, he shared the lead with Ian Nepomniachtchi after five rounds. His tournament included wins against Alexander Riazantsev and Haik Martirosyan, plus draws with Alexander Grischuk and Daniil Dubov. The performance earned him a grandmaster norm. FIDE records his GM title in 2026, the year he also won Russian team-championship silver with Moscow Region. In an interview after Aeroflot, he described a preference for sharp tactical positions and blitz. His regular training combines coached sessions, problem solving and practice games.