Sergei Matsenko is a Russian Chess Grandmaster, who was born in Novosibirsk on December 24, 1980. He started to gain recognition in the chess world as a child, having won the Championship of Novosibirsk among boys under 16 when he was only 12 years old. In the same year, he also qualified for the final of the Russian Championship among boys under 18 years old.
Matsenko completed his education at Novosibirsk State University specializing in law and worked for a few years in that field. Alongside his professional career, he continued to achieve notable success in chess.
In 2001, Matsenko earned the title of International Master under FIDE (the international chess federation) and in 2010 became a Grandmaster. Arguably his greatest achievement in chess came when he tied for 1st to 6th place in the Chigorin Memorial Tournament in 2012.
He has also represented Russia in various international team competitions including the European Team Chess Championship in 2011, where his team clinched the second place.
Apart from his competitive career, Matsenko also has been active in chess coaching, having trained many talented young players.