Héðinn Steingrímsson is an Icelandic chess Grandmaster, born on 25th July 1980 in Reykjavik. Awarded the title of Grandmaster in 2007 by the World Chess Federation, he notably became the first Icelandic player to earn the title in 18 years.
Steingrímsson first started playing chess at the age of six and by 10, he was already competing in tournaments. Throughout his chess career, he has won a multitude of titles. He won his first Icelandic Chess Championship in 2001, repeating this achievement in 2013 and 2014. Additionally, he won the Icelandic Rapid Chess Championships in 2002, 2003, and in 2005.
Internationally, he has represented Iceland in several Chess Olympiads, debuting in 2002 in Bled, Slovenia. Steingrímsson was victorious at the 7th European Small Nations Championship in 2015, held in Jersey. Coupling this feat with a 2016 victory, he succeeded in obtaining back-to-back titles.
A well-regarded player amongst his peers, his chess strategy typically favours an aggressive, sacrificial style. Steingrímsson has also contributed to the wider chess community, particularly through his role as the coach of the Icelandic Women's national chess team and offering simultaneous exhibitions.