The first time I saw Fabiano Caruana play in person was at the U.S. SuperNationals in Kansas City. My friend Trevor was paired against him, and everyone from Louisiana was quietly hoping Trevor might pull off an upset. Caruana won the game. That moment remains the closest I’ve ever come to seeing him across a chessboard.

What stayed with me was how calm he seemed. Nothing rushed. He played with care and confidence, and it showed. As the years went on, that same approach carried him to multiple U.S. Championships and a match for the World Championship.

For me, that kind of consistency makes Fabi a true Titan of American chess. It’s why it feels right to highlight one of his games here.