Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa triumphed at the Superbet Chess Classic 2025 in Bucharest, Romania, on 16 May, winning his first Grand Chess Tour title after a thrilling three-way blitz tiebreak against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France and Iran-born French star Alireza Firouzja.
All three finished the classical rounds tied at 5.5 points out of nine, but Praggnanandhaa’s calm and precise play in the blitz deciders secured him the championship and a prize of $77,667. This victory not only cements his position as one of the world’s elite players but also marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, matching the feat of former World Champion Viswanathan Anand.
The event was fiercely competitive, with top grandmasters battling until the last moment, and Praggnanandhaa’s win has been widely celebrated by chess enthusiasts and officials alike.
Blitz Brilliance Seals Historic Win
The final day of the Superbet Chess Classic was a rollercoaster of emotions as Praggnanandhaa drew his last classical game against Armenian legend Levon Aronian, while both Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja won their respective games to force a three-way tie at 5.5 points.
The tournament’s format called for a blitz playoff to determine the winner, and the tension was palpable. The first two blitz games ended in draws, heightening anticipation for the decisive third game. Demonstrating remarkable composure and tactical sharpness, Praggnanandhaa outplayed Vachier-Lagrave with the white pieces to clinch the title.
Speaking after his victory, Praggnanandhaa said, “I didn’t do so well last time. Resting for a few hours before the tiebreak definitely helped me stay focused.” His win also earned him nine rating points, helping him maintain his position as the world’s seventh-ranked player.
Organisers praised the quality of the event, with Grand Chess Tour CEO Justin Burk noting, “Praggnanandhaa’s performance was outstanding and a testament to his maturity and skill at such a young age.”
A New Era for Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s victory at Bucharest is a landmark moment in his rapidly rising career. At just 19 years old, he has already secured two major titles this year, including the prestigious Tata Steel Masters in January, and now the Superbet Chess Classic.
His ascent into the global top 10 places him alongside fellow Indian prodigies like World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Arjun Erigaisi, signalling a new era of Indian dominance in international chess. Last year, Praggnanandhaa came agonisingly close to winning the same event but lost in a playoff to Fabiano Caruana. This time, he reversed his fortunes, showing growth in resilience and strategic depth.
The Superbet Chess Classic, with a $350,000 prize fund and a strong field of 10 elite players, is the second leg of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour. The next event is slated for July in Croatia, where Praggnanandhaa will look to continue his impressive run.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Praggnanandhaa’s triumph is more than just a personal victory; it is a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions of young Indians aspiring to excel in chess and beyond. It reflects the power of dedication, perseverance, and calm under pressure-qualities that resonate deeply with our values of empathy, harmony, and positive social change.
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate such stories that unite people across borders through the universal language of sport and intellect. Praggnanandhaa’s success also highlights the importance of nurturing talent and providing opportunities for youth to shine on the global stage. How do you think this landmark victory will influence the future of chess in India and inspire the next generation of players?
