Strugnell, Carl

Carl Strugnell, a 45-year-old FIDE Master, is rated 2171 and ranked 6th among WLS players, and in the top 5% worldwide. He has fluctuated between 2171 and 2217 over the past 2 years. 33 rated games in the past year (≈42/year long-term). Recent standard appearances include Premijer liga Beograda za 2025. godinu, Sparkassen Chess Trophy 2025 A-Open, and 18e Open international de Plancoet - Tournoi A. Also played 1 rapid (including 1st Zayed International Rapid Chess Championship for Hassan Khaled Cup) and 1 blitz events (including 5e Festival International de La Plagne Soleil - Blitz) recently. He had 2 career breaks: 17 months (2003–2005) and 17 months (2022–2024). His peak of 2334 was reached at age 36 (Sep 2017); he also reached #3 nationally in Jan 2018 and has been in top 5 for 37 months and counting.

Competes for Wales since Apr 2015. Awarded FM in 2013 (age 32). Earned IM norms at Karpos Open 2013 and MIGUEL NAJDORF INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL gr. A 2014. At junior level, he reached #1 nationally in U20.