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Joshua FriedelAmerican chess player, grandmaster.
Date of Birth: 03.12.1986
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Joshua Friedel: American Chess Grandmaster
- Junior Successes
- Professional Career
- Domestic and International Accomplishments
- 2013 US Open Victory
- Continued Success and Writing Career
Joshua Friedel: American Chess Grandmaster
Early Life and Introduction to ChessBorn and raised in Goffstown, New Hampshire, Joshua Friedel's journey in chess began at the tender age of 3 in 1990. By age 6, he became a student of National Master Hal Terry and participated in his first tournament that same year.
Junior Successes
In 1995, at the age of 8, Friedel emerged victorious in the NH Amateur Championship (U2000), demonstrating exceptional talent beyond his age. The following year, he triumphed at the K-3 National Championship in Tucson, Arizona. Friedel consistently excelled in junior competitions, including the US Cadet (3x), Junior Closed (2x), Denker, and World Youth (3x) tournaments.
Professional Career
By 2001, Friedel had achieved the Master level at the age of 14. He trained with renowned Grandmasters Larry Christiansen, Gregory Kaidanov, and Alex Goldin. In 2005, he became a Professional Master, and shortly before his 22nd birthday in 2009, Friedel attained the coveted Grandmaster title.
Domestic and International Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Friedel has been a three-time New Hampshire State Champion and a two-time California State Champion. He has also won or placed first in numerous open tournaments across the United States, including the Pan Am, Eastern, St. Louis, National, American, and North American Opens.
Internationally, Friedel has participated in several prestigious competitions. He represented the United States at the 2008 World Mind Sports Games and two Continental Championships (2009 and 2011).
2013 US Open Victory
In 2013, Friedel etched his name in history by winning the 114th US Open Chess Championship at the age of 26. After a tie at the conclusion of regulation play, he emerged victorious in a thrilling tie-break playoff against then-IM Mackenzie Molner.
Continued Success and Writing Career
Friedel's success has not waned in recent years. In 2016, he triumphed at the Manchester Invitational in New Hampshire and shared first place at the North American Open in Las Vegas. In 2017, he won the Fall Chess Classic Group B tournament in St. Louis.
Beyond the board, Friedel is also an accomplished chess writer. He regularly contributes to Chess Life, Chess Life Online, Saint Louis Public Radio, and other publications.
