Championship Finalist · 2018 · 🇺🇦
Kateryna Lagno
Ukrainian-born, later representing Russia. One of the fastest-rising female players in history, reaching the Women's World Championship final and winning multiple World Rapid titles.
1989
Born (Lviv)
12
Age became WGM (record)
2018
Championship final
2x
World Rapid Champion
From Prodigy to Finalist
Kateryna Lagno was born on February 27, 1989, in Lviv, Ukraine. She became the youngest Women's Grandmaster in history at age 12 and was soon competing among the world's best. She switched federations from Ukraine to Russia in 2014, a decision that drew criticism given the geopolitical tensions between the two countries. She reached the 2018 Women's World Championship knockout final and has won the Women's World Rapid Championship twice. Her playing style is dynamic and fast, particularly dangerous at quicker time controls.