Russia no longer dominates the chess world as it once did but even with the absence of some important players – like Alexander Grischuk and Kateryna Lagno – the team cannot be ruled out as a possible winner.
Captain: Alexander Motylev (Std. 2641 Rpd. 2700)
The winner of the Russian Champinship (2001) and the European Championship (2014), Alexander Motylev is known not only as a strong GM but also as a great opening analyst, sparring partner, and second. Throughout his career, he worked with Peter Svidler, Vladimir Kramnik, Sergey Karjakin, Aleksander Goryachkina, and Judit Polgar.
Ian Nepomniachtchi (Std. 2784 Rpd. 2778)
One of the leaders of the suspended Candidates Tournament 2020, Ian Nepomniachtchi won the World Chess Championships as a member of the Russian team in Antalya (2013) and Astana (2019). The winner of Aeroflot Open (2008, 2015), Tal Memorial (2016), Dortmund (2018), and two FIDE Grand Prix events (Moscow 2019 and Jerusalem 2019) he is currently ranked 4th in the world.
Vladislav Artemiev (Std. 2716 Rpd. 2769)
One of the most talented young players, the current European Champion (2019), Vladislav Artemiev played for the Russian golden team in the World Team Chess Championship (Astana, 2019). The winner of the Agzamov Memorial (2015) and Gibraltar Masters (2019), he is currently ranked 29th in the world.
Sergey Karjakin (Std. 2752 Rpd. 2709)
The world’s youngest grandmaster ever (earned the title at the age of 12 years and seven months), the winner of the FIDE World Cup 2015, and the Candidates Tournament 2016, Sergey Karjakin faced Magnus Carlsen in the World Championship match (2016) but lost in the rapid tiebreak. Sergey represented Russia at five Olympiads and was a member of the Russian golden team at the World Team Chess Championships in Antalya (2013) and Astana (2019).
Aleksandra Goryachkina (Std. 2582 Rpd. 2502)
A two-time Russian Champion, Aleksandra Goryachkina won the Women’s Candidates Tournament in 2019 and qualified for the Women’s World Championship match with Ju Wenjun which she lost in the rapid tiebreak. A permanent member of the Russian national team since 2015 and the leader of the FIDE Women Grand Prix after three tournaments played, she is currently ranked third in the world.
Dmitry Andreikin (Std. 2726 Rpd. 2740)
A two-time Russian Champion (2012, 2018) and the former World Junior Chess Champion (2010), Dmitry Andreikin achieved his major success in Chess World Cup 2013 (lost to Vladimir Kramnik in the final) and in the second leg of the FIDE Grand Prix in Tashkent 2014, which he won finishing ahead of many elite players. Dmitry is currently rated 22nd in the world.
Olga Girya (Std. 2469 Rpd. 2471)
The reigning Russian Champion (2019), Olga Girya was a member of the Russian gold-winning team at the Women’s Chess Olympiad 2014 and the Women’s Team World Championship 2017. A participant of four Women’s Chess Championships she is currently ranked 22nd in the world.