Vladimir Akopian

Vladimir Akopian is an Armenian-American grandmaster originally from Baku, Azerbaijan. After winning the U16, U18, and U20 World Junior Championship, he earned his GM title in 1991. Starting in 1992, Akopian served as a long-time member of the Armenian National Team, winning team gold at the 2006, 2008, and 2012 Chess Olympiads, as well as the 2011 World Team Championship. Akopian’s other achievements include winning the 1991 U.S. Open, winning the Russian Team Championship four times (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008), and becoming World Vice-Champion in 1999. Akopian has also worked as an elite coach for many years, serving as the coach of the Armenian Chess Federation from 2008-2015 and 2017-2019.