Kramnik, Aronian, Vidit, Divya, et al.: Hexamind’s Star-Studded Roster

Posted on March 25, 2025 BY Rachit Wadhwa

As we know, the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships are around the corner, and it’s time the participating teams unveil themselves. After two exciting editions in Düsseldorf (2023) and Astana (2024), the tournament is back and now heading to London. Grandmaster Levon Aronian announced his team – Hexamind Chess Team – on his social media. Following is the composition of Hexamind:

  • Vladimir Kramnik
  • Levon Aronian
  • Leinier Dominguez
  • Vidit Gujrathi
  • Peter Svidler
  • Divya Deshmukh (women board)
  • Platon Panarin (recreational board)
  • David Muradyan (recreational board)

Hexamind is constituted of some of the best and seasoned grandmasters for the open boards, while the prodigious Indian IM Divya Deshmukh has been given the women’s board post. Aronian described the team as “strong and youthful”. Intriguingly, a young boy, Platon Panarin, will be joining the recreational board for the team. Platon is an enthusiast of mathematics, Rubik’s Cube and other puzzles.

Vidit Gujrathi and Levon Aronian expressing their delight on representing Hexamind

In addition, the prodigy is a polyglot and can speak 5 languages. The team will be led by non-playing captain Daria Panarina. This team will surely enter the tournament as one of the dark horses.
Read more about Hexamind Chess Team on their official website;

FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships are scheduled to be held from June 10 – 16, 2025, in London. The tournament will also feature a fresh KO stage in the Blitz. FIDE boasts an increased and “record-breaking” prize fund of €500,000 for this edition.

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