Chess Player R. Praggnanandhaa Wins UzChess Cup 2025, Overtakes Gukesh to Become India’s No.1

India’s teenage chess sensation R. Praggnanandhaa has done it again! The 18-year-old grandmaster from Chennai has not only won the prestigious UzChess Cup 2025, but also achieved a historic milestone by overtaking D Gukesh to become India’s highest-rated chess player.

In what can only be described as a phenomenal run, Praggnanandhaa fought through some of the world’s best players in Uzbekistan, battled back from a painful loss being called the “Game of the Year”, and sealed the title after four intense tiebreak matches.

This victory marks more than just a tournament win — it’s the beginning of a new chapter in Indian chess, one where Praggnanandhaa is now officially India No. 1, and currently World No. 4, just behind legends like Carlsen and Firouzja.

R Praggnanandhaa Overtakes Gukesh To Become India’s Highest-Rated Chess Player

This year has been a wild ride in Indian chess. For a long time, all eyes were on D Gukesh, especially after his strong performances in 2024. But the live ratings changed dramatically during the UzChess Cup.

With every win, R Praggnanandhaa’s Elo rating climbed, and after outplaying Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and other top names, he surpassed them all. As per the latest FIDE live ratings, Pragg now stands as:

• India’s No.1
• World No.4

His consistency, creativity, and fearless attitude on the board are making waves not just in India, but across the global chess community.

Four Tiebreaks, Three Titles: Praggnanandhaa’s Barnstorming 2025

So far, 2025 has been a dream year for the young grandmaster. Before the UzChess Cup, he had already won two other major titles this year. But it was in Uzbekistan that he truly made his mark.

Let’s quickly look at his 2025 victories:

The UzChess Cup final was particularly dramatic. Pragg lost one heart-breaking game, which many called the “Game of the Year”, but he didn’t crumble. Instead, he hit back with maturity and calmness, eventually clinching the title after a nail-biting rapid and blitz tiebreak series.

R Praggnanandhaa Thanks Vishy Anand: “This One Felt Special”

After his win, Praggnanandhaa took to social media to thank his mentor, Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, calling the victory “extra special”.

“To overtake Gukesh and win UzChess Cup in the same week… this one felt special. Thank you Vishy sir for always guiding me — on and off the board,” Pragg wrote.

Anand, who has mentored many young Indian players through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, replied with warmth:

“Deservedly the new number four. The journey has just begun.”

Anand’s praise means a lot — after all, he was India’s first world champion and still remains the biggest name in Indian chess history. Now, his student has taken India to new heights again.

Gautam Adani, Fans Celebrate: “What An Achievement!”

It wasn’t just the chess world that reacted to Praggnanandhaa’s historic rise. Business tycoon Gautam Adani also tweeted:

“What an achievement! India’s new No. 1 chess player – R. Praggnanandhaa. A proud moment for every Indian!”

Social media exploded with praise:

• #Praggnanandhaa was trending on X (formerly Twitter)
• Fans called him the “new king of Indian chess”
• Many said India might finally have a World Champion contender in a few years

His rise is being compared to that of Sachin Tendulkar in cricket — young, disciplined, humble, and hungry to be the best in the world.

Praggnanandhaa’s Real Strength Is His Mental Comeback Game

One thing that many casual fans might miss — Pragg’s biggest strength isn’t just calculation or opening preparation. It’s his mental toughness.

After losing that brutal “Game of the Year,” many would’ve broken down. But Pragg bounced back calmly, without showing frustration or panic.

Even in long classical games, he shows amazing patience. And in rapid/blitz, he becomes aggressive and sharp. This duality — being both cool and dangerous — is rare, even among top grandmasters.

That’s what makes him such a dangerous opponent — and a likely future World Championship finalist, if not champion.

The Rise of Indian Chess: India Now Has 3 Players in World Top 10 Live Rankings

Pragg’s rise isn’t just a solo achievement — it reflects a broader revolution happening in Indian chess. Right now, India has:

• Praggnanandhaa – World No. 4
• Gukesh – World No. 6
• Arjun Erigaisi – World No. 9

This is the first time India has three players in the Top 10 of FIDE live ratings, and all of them are under the age of 22!

The dream of India becoming a chess superpower is no longer just a hope — it’s happening in real time.

From Young Talent to Indian No. 1: A Quick Look at Praggnanandhaa’s Journey

• 2016: Becomes the youngest International Master in the world at the time
• 2018: Becomes Grandmaster at age 12
• 2022: Defeats Magnus Carlsen for the first time
• 2023–24: Becomes consistent top-10 finisher in elite events
• 2025: Wins three titles, becomes India No.1 and World No.4

All this, and he’s still only 18. That’s what makes his journey so incredible — and what lies ahead, even more exciting.

The Future Belongs to Praggnanandhaa

With the UzChess Cup 2025 win, R. Praggnanandhaa has sent a strong message to the chess world: India is ready, and its new generation is fearless.

By overtaking Gukesh, outperforming Arjun, and earning praise from legends like Anand and fans around the globe, Pragg is no longer just a “young prodigy.” He is now a serious world contender, and the face of Indian chess for the coming decade.

As he continues to grow, both on and off the board, all of India will be watching — and cheering.