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R Praggnanandhaa becomes India’s top-rated chess player
At the UzChess Cup Masters in Tashkent, 19-year-old Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa pulled off a spectacular comeback, not only winning the tournament but officially overtaking D Gukesh to become India’s highest‑rated chess player in the live classical rankings. His rating shot up to an impressive 2778.3, placing him fourth in the world.
Tournament Triumph with Edge-of-Seat Drama
Initial Setbacks, Spectacular Revival
Praggnanandhaa’s road to victory wasn’t straightforward. Mid‑tournament, he slipped behind—despite earlier rounds of strong play, a loss to Richard Rapport in what commentators dubbed a “game‑of‑the‑year candidate” knocked him off pace.
Then, in the final classical round, he delivered under pressure. Facing tournament leader Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces, he secured a pivotal win to force a three‑way tie with Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov, each holding 5.5/9.
Blitz Tiebreaks: A Showcase of Skill and Nerves
The playoff—a double round‑robin blitz with 3‑2 time control—saw Praggnanandhaa rise once more. After a tightly contested sequence of wins and draws, he prevailed over Sindarov and held Abdusattorov to ensure his championship. The win was his third classical tournament title of 2025, following victories at Tata Steel and the Superbet Classic in Romania.
Breaking Through the Ranks
Praggnanandhaa’s final live rating increase to 2778.3 made history—he leapfrogged both world champion D Gukesh (2776.6) and Arjun Erigaisi (2775.7), solidifying his place as the top-ranked Indian player. His ascent continues India’s golden generation, now boasting four Indians in the world’s top ten—a testament to the nation’s rising prominence in elite chess.
Mentorship & Acknowledgment from Vishy Anand
India’s former World Champion, Viswanathan Anand, publicly praised Praggnanandhaa’s win:
“He is deservedly the new number four in the chess world and the highest rated player in India”
Praggnanandhaa responded with gratitude:
“Thank you so much… This one felt special…it means a lot coming from you. Grateful always for your support and inspiration!”
The endorsement from “Vishy” adds deep emotional resonance to the achievement—underscoring the veteran’s continuing influence on India’s next-gen chess stars.
What It Means: National & Global Impact
India’s Chess Landscape
With four players in the global top ten, India is now a powerhouse in the international chess arena. Praggnanandhaa’s recent victories reinforce this, highlighting not just individual brilliance but the depth and maturity of the country’s chess ecosystem .
Global Standing
Globally, Praggnanandhaa’s jump to World No. 4 places him in elite company alongside Magnus Carlsen (2839.2), Hikaru Nakamura (2807.0), and Fabiano Caruana (2784.2). His performances in other 2025 events—winning Tata Steel and the Superbet Classic—underscores his consistency across formats and geographies.
A Mentor’s Role: Ramesh RB & Team
In the tiebreak aftermath, coach Ramesh RB praised Praggnanandhaa’s character-driven resurgence, acknowledging his support team: GM Vaibhav and others who have been “instrumental” in Pragg’s success. This shows that behind each move on the board, a committed support network fuels his climb.
What’s Next: Eyes on Croatia and Beyond
Praggnanandhaa is set to compete in the SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz, starting July 2—a Grand Chess Tour event that promises to pit him against both Gukesh and Carlsen. This offers yet another stage to affirm his rising status and challenge chess royalty.
Meanwhile, his position atop the FIDE Circuit standings—with 86.28 points over six eligible tournaments—places him on a path toward a potential seat in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Looking Ahead: The Road to World Domination
Lucid, calculated, and fearless, Praggnanandhaa is shaping up as a future contender for the World Chess Championship. At just 19, with a slew of high-profile victories and a strong professional team, he embodies both ambition and maturity.
The youngster’s continued development, resilience under fire, and mentorship by legends like Anand form a potent combination that could soon disrupt the global chess hierarchy.
Final Thoughts
R Praggnanandhaa’s ascension isn’t just about a number or a title—it marks a turning point in chess: India’s transition from hope to dominance. As ratings soar and titles pile up, it’s clear that Pragg’s story is just beginning. The chess board, once dominated by traditional powerhouses, now bears the weight and potential of a new guard—led by a young Indian prodigy whose next moves could reshape the very future of the game
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