In a historic moment for Indian chess, 18-year-old D Gukesh has become the new India No. 1, overtaking Arjun Erigaisi in the live FIDE ratings after a stellar performance at the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee. Gukesh’s victory over Vincent Keymer in a gruelling 72-move game elevated his rating to 2784, while Erigaisi dropped to 2779 following a string of disappointing results.
Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa has climbed to third place, surpassing the legendary Viswanathan Anand. This reshuffling of rankings signals a new era for Indian chess, with young players taking centre stage.
Gukesh’s Unstoppable Momentum
D Gukesh’s rise to the top of Indian chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18 years old, he has demonstrated maturity and composure far beyond his years. His latest victory against Vincent Keymer at the Tata Steel Chess tournament was a testament to his resilience and strategic brilliance. The match, which lasted an intense 72 moves, saw Gukesh recover from early inaccuracies to outmanoeuvre Keymer in the endgame. This win not only secured him seven Elo points but also cemented his position as India’s top-ranked player in live ratings.
Gukesh’s performance at Wijk aan Zee has been remarkable so far, with two wins and three draws keeping him unbeaten in the tournament. His ability to remain calm under pressure and seize opportunities has made him a formidable force on the global chess stage. This achievement is particularly significant as it marks a shift in Indian chess leadership, with Gukesh dethroning Arjun Erigaisi, who had held the top spot until now.
Erigaisi’s Struggles and Praggnanandhaa’s Rise
While Gukesh celebrates his ascent, Arjun Erigaisi finds himself grappling with a challenging phase. Once hailed as India’s brightest chess prodigy after breaking into the elite 2800 Elo club, Erigaisi has struggled to maintain his form at Wijk aan Zee. A series of three losses and two draws have caused him to drop 21.5 Elo points, pushing him down the rankings. Despite these setbacks, Erigaisi remains a talented player with immense potential for recovery.
Meanwhile, another young star is making headlines—R Praggnanandhaa. The 19-year-old has climbed to third place in the national rankings, overtaking Viswanathan Anand, who now sits at fourth. Praggnanandhaa’s consistent performances reflect his growing stature in international chess, further solidifying India’s reputation as a powerhouse of young talent.
A New Era for Indian Chess
The recent reshuffling of India’s chess rankings signals the dawn of a new era dominated by a generation of fearless young players. With Gukesh leading the charge and Praggnanandhaa close behind, Indian chess is witnessing an exciting transformation. These players are not only challenging established norms but also inspiring millions of aspiring chess enthusiasts across the country.
The Tata Steel Chess tournament continues to be a battleground for some of the world’s best players, with several rounds yet to be played. As live ratings fluctuate with each game, there remains an opportunity for players like Erigaisi to stage comebacks and reclaim their positions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
D Gukesh’s achievement is more than just an individual milestone—it is a reflection of India’s growing prominence on the global chess stage. His journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the country, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success. At The Logical Indian, we celebrate this moment as a testament to India’s potential in nurturing world-class talent.
However, this success also raises important questions: How can we ensure consistent support for young athletes? What role can schools, communities, and institutions play in fostering talent? As we applaud Gukesh’s rise and Praggnanandhaa’s progress, let us also focus on creating an ecosystem that enables every aspiring player to achieve their dreams.
What do you think can be done to further promote chess and other sports among India’s youth? Share your thoughts with us!
👑 World Champion Gukesh D wins Round 5!
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) January 23, 2025
– Gukesh Dommaraju is now World No.4 & India No.1 in Classical Chess Rating.pic.twitter.com/CTqr6UswRY
