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Awonder Liang: economics, enjoying chess, 2700-level skills | UP #14

Underpromoted

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Awonder Liang is a chess grandmaster, currently ranked #24 in the world (Feb 2026). Growing up in Wisconsin, he broke various American records as a chess prodigy. In 2025, he graduated from the University of Chicago, where he studied economics and applied math.

This interview was recorded on Jan 26, 2026.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - How much sacrifice does elite chess require?
5:38 - How to improve as a 2700-level player
9:21 - Economic and statistical concepts in pro chess
13:04 - Decisionmaking, Hikaru's skills, game strategy in chess
22:26 - Awonder's Substack post: streaks in chess, random walks, probability
29:21 - Playing against weaker opponents, tournament opportunities
34:58 - Awonder's chess style, fearlessness in chess
37:54 - Missed opportunities at university, future hopes
40:04 - Using engines effectively in chess
44:02 - Awonder's enjoyment of chess over time
48:14 - Outlook for 2026
49:33 - Thank you!

Thumbnail photo credit: John Brezina

7 Comments

@coreylau7462 7 months ago

Jonathan, I’m impressed with how quickly you picked up on Awonder’s Econ base in how he thinks about progression and growth. Such a unique thought process

@deadfrogsong1723 7 months ago

Honestly, Awonder is mega-talented and he is underestimating his own abilities.

@misteratoz 7 months ago

Top 25 in the world and he doesn't think he's that elite.. Am I the only one whose jaw dropped when he said that?

@jason6141 6 months ago

Awonder seems unbelievably smart, even most other chess players at his level don't seem this intelligent. For example, contrast this to the typical Hans Niemann interview, who is around the same age and rating as Awonder.

@doooovid 7 months ago

Great interview blessings. In many ways a degree from University of Chicago in Economics is far more valuable than a GM title, just have to know how to use it.