Arnaud Hauchard is a French chess grandmaster best known for leading France to victory in the 2010 Chess Olympiad. He was awarded the title of International Master in 1995 and of Grandmaster three years later in 1998, making him one of the youngest French players to achieve such acclamation.
Born in 1971, Hauchard quickly displayed an impressive talent for chess. He started his professional career in 1994, participating in several national and international tournaments. As a player, he achieved several notable victories and high-ranking finishes.
Hauchard’s successful career was not only limited to playing; He was also a successful team captain. In 2010, under his captaincy, the French men's team won a historic victory at the prestigious Chess Olympiad held in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, finishing ahead of Russia and Israel.
However, his success was marred by a major controversy in 2012. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) Ethics Commission accused Hauchard of being involved in a cheating scandal during the 2010 Chess Olympiad. He was suspected of being involved in a scheme to relay coded messages to a French player during games. He was subsequently banned from serving as a captain, coach, or representative for any team in FIDE events for a period of three years.
In addition to his playing and coaching career, Hauchard has also written several educational books on chess, contributing to the teaching of the game in France.
Despite the controversy, Hauchard retains a significant reputation within the chess world, recognized for his accomplishments both as a player and team captain.