Levon Aronian (USA), the former leader of the Armenian national chess team, congratulated the New Year in a Facebook post.
"Happy New Year and Christmas. 2025 was a year full of emotions, trials, memories, the victory in the Freestyle Chess tournament became one of the bright moments of my chess career.
I would like to wish you all a wonderful year. Also, I would like to give special thanks to the Saint Louis Chess Club for their support and trust, to Fabiano Caruana for contributing to the revival of my career and being a true friend, to Magnus Carlsen for the inspiration who showed me that even at the smallest opportunity one should fight to the end, to Salem Ar Saleh for believing in me when few believed, and to all my friends, fans, and family. I am most grateful to my wife, Ani, who gives me strength and courage.
Let 2026 be a year full of magic and love," wrote Levon Aronian.
