Jon Ludvig Hammer

Jon Ludvig Hammer has tried to mimic Magnus Carlsen, and it has served him well. He became a grandmaster at age 18, and has several open tournament victories to his name – the most prestigious ones being Rilton Cup (2014 and 2015), Xtracon Open (2018), and London (2013). His best result though was a silver medal on board 1 of the European Team Championship 2009 – ahead of big names like Peter Svidler, Michael Adams, Levon Aronian and Fabiano Caruana. Hammer arrives in Saint Louis having won his last three tournaments in row – one of which made him the reigning Norwegian Champion.