Yiannis Karygiannis was raised in Halkida. He studied classical piano with Alena Rentzegiova and jazz piano with Pantelis Benetatos, Sami Amiris, Stavros Lantsias and Makis Tsagalidis. From 2012 to 2015 he continued his studies in Groningen, Holland and from 2005 to 2017 in Rotterdam, where he received a master at jazz piano. Since then he lives in Holland.

He has collaborated with acclaimed musicians, such as Marshall Gilkes, Andy Hunter, Ilja Rheingoud (Big Band Band), Freddy Bryant, Rubin Hein (PCC Big Band), Ben Van Gelder and Reinier Baas and he was a member of groups such as Eddy Nielsen trio/quartet, Aktas Erdogan Quintet, The impact, Remi Inari, Kibeom Shin quintet, Duarte Cotta quartet. He has performed at festivals and venues in Germany, Belgium, England, Denmark, Sweeden and Cyprus.

In 2019 he released his first album as a leader "Retrospection", featuring Alessio Bruno (double bass) and Richie Struck (drums).