Natalia Pogonina (born March 9, 1985) is  a chess grandmaster and one of the best female chess players in the world. Since 2004 she has been a member of Team Russia and is the reigning Olympic Chess Champion and Russian Women's Chess Champion.

Woman Grandmaster (WGM), three-times European champion (U16, twice U18), bronze prize winner at the World Championship (U18) and European Women's Championship, winner of the gold medal at the 1st International Mind Sports Games, co-winner of the 2008 Student World Championship and Russian Superfinal-2010, and #1 at multiple prestigious international tournaments (2005 – Bykova Memorial, 2007 – Rudenko memorial, 2009 – Moscow Open, etc.). Ranked as 3rd most successful female chess player in the world in 2009 by the Association of Chess Professionals. In 2011 Natalia became the only chess player in the world to simultaneously win the Eurocup and European Team Chess Championship and in 2013 - the only person to hold the individual and team Russian Champion titles. She was runner-up at Women's World Team Chess Championship-2011 and earned the bronze medal in 2013.

As of 2010 Natalia's FIDE rating was over 2500 – a mark that is associated with the title of a male Grandmaster.

Natalia is the reigning Olympic Chess Champion (gold medals for both team and individual performances) and Russian Women's Chess Champion.

Natalia is also widely known as a person of great physical and spiritual beauty. She is open, sincere, always smiling, optimistic, friendly and willing to help other people. This (as well as her extraordinary chess-playing abilities) brings her fans from all over the world and makes her a role model for everyone interested in chess.

Being a smart and versatile person whose life is not limited to chess, Natalia has obtained an MA in Law degree at the Saratov State Academy of Law. Her numerous hobbies include fashion, flamenco, singing, music, photography, sports, travelling, literature & poetry.

Top secret: Natalia is working on a book called “Chess Kamasutra” which teaches chess using analogies from sex, and vice versa. You will be the first to find out the official release date as soon as it is determined!

As an experienced web-surfer, Natalia visits Pogonina.com daily and would be happy to hear your feedback regarding the website, her games; any suggestions, questions, or just warm words. Natalia, a photogenic girl with fashion-model looks who appears on the TV and in other media, is also open for proposals regarding promoting products of “chess-friendly” companies.

Feel free to contact Natalia by signing the Guestbook, or by sending an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

 

	1. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 13:29 29 ìàÿ 2009 ã.
	Hi Natalia:    I just discovered your web site. I must say that if I ever had to play you all you need to do is show me your beautiful smile and that would melt away any resistance on my part.    I wish you well in your chess career!

	2. Written by Natalia on 18:46 29 ìàÿ 2009 ã.
	Hi Thanks, John! - here's the smile

	3. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 19:53 10 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	Hi I wish you the best in life together to your husband!    Congratulations / Felicidades!  MA Carlos Avalos  El Salvador / USA ELO 2021

	4. Written by Natalia on 20:01 10 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	Hi Thanks, Carlos and good luck in chess!

	5. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 04:29 11 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	hi what a luck guy...  intelligent and beautiful   congratilation natalia

	6. Written by Natalia on 08:44 11 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	hi Thank you, dreamer!

	7. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 09:14 12 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	Congratulations It looks like I wasn't the only chess player captivated by your smile! Congratulations and may you both live a very happy life!!

	8. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 17:30 13 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	Congratulations Russian women chess players are most beautiful and interesting. What were you saying to Etti (Antoaneta) in that Urals photo that made her laugh.? A special toast to you and your husband for a great future together.

	9. Written by Natalia on 18:13 13 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	Congratulations Thanks, Jeff! To be honest, I don't remember!

	10. Written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it on 15:23 21 èþíÿ 2009 ã.
	Congratulations Congratulation to Natalia .Wish all the best in your life !!