Andy Woodward

Grandmaster Andy Woodward, who turned 15 this past May, has been on a tear of late. His early chess development was one of continual progress. The Dallas area native achieved the National Master title in 2020, the FIDE Master title in 2021 and the International Master title in 2022. Next followed the Grandmaster title in the summer of 2024, but then Andy suffered a major reverse when he had a disastrous result in the Spice Cup.

Sometimes it’s one step backwards, two steps forward, but in Andy’s case it has been more like three steps forward. He has enjoyed continued success in 2025, culminating in a career best result in the Sharjah Masters held in the United Arab Emirates this past May. Playing against an all-Grandmaster field he scored 5 ½ from 9 for a performance rating of 2708. This accomplishment raised his rating to 2567 FIDE making him number three in the world for players under 16. He now has the chance to join a select group of American players to reach 2600 FIDE before their 16th birthday.