Hou Yifan at the 2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku

Wikipedia picture of the day on February 27, 2025: Hou Yifan at the 2016 Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan. She participated in the Chinese team which won first place in the Women’s event. Hou turns 31 today. More Info

🎂 Today, as we blow out the candles and bask in the glow of a cake (that we hope to enjoy without a chess clock looming over our heads), we can’t help but celebrate the extraordinary journey of Hou Yifan. Yes, you read that right—this chess prodigy and reigning queen of the board turns 31 today. And let me tell you, she’s just a pawn away from being a legend!

Let’s rewind to 2016, when the city of Baku, Azerbaijan, was buzzing with whispers of strategy and suspense during the Chess Olympiad. It was here that our heroine, Hou, graced the stage, not in a ball gown but behind the chessboard, leading the Chinese team to a triumphant first place in the Women’s event. Talk about making moves that matter!

The chess world watched in awe as Hou displayed unparalleled skill and poise, proving once again that chess isn’t just a game for the boys. With a mind sharper than a finely honed rook, she orchestrated victory with such finesse that one could almost hear the fainted cheers of pawns everywhere.

But how did she do it, you ask? Was her strategy backed by a secret stash of energy drinks? Perhaps a lucky rabbit foot? (Though let’s stay away from actual rabbits on the board, shall we?) Nope—just sheer talent, years of dedication, and, let’s face it, probably a fair amount of late-night practice sessions.

As we raise our glasses (or coffee cups, if it’s too early for champagne) to toast her 31st birthday, let’s reflect on what it means to be Hou Yifan. She’s not just a player; she’s the embodiment of female empowerment in sports. Every game she plays sends ripples through a world that often overlooks the brilliance of women in chess. What’s more? She does it while managing to keep her cool, rarely turning into a queen that delivers righteous fury upon her opponents. One might even say she’s more than capable of delivering a checkmate with a smile.

So here’s to Hou Yifan—may your birthday be filled with mates (the celebratory kind), and may your future games continue to dazzle us all! And while you’re celebrating, don’t forget to save a piece of that birthday cake for me—after all, I’ll need the fuel to keep up with your brilliant strategies! Happy Birthday, Hou! Here’s to many more victories on and off the board!