Who Is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, The Chess Star Outsmarting Grandmasters At 19?

Sunday, June 29, 2025, 16:36

He doesn't play to impress. He plays because it's what he knows best. At 19, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has steadily climbed past some of the biggest names in global chess with sharp focus, calm calculation, and a deep love for the game.

Photo Credit: ANI

His recent victory at the UzChess Cup Masters in Tashkent moved him to world number four and crowned him India's top-rated player, ahead of reigning world champion D Gukesh. For someone who once drew attention as the teenager who beat Magnus Carlsen, this moment feels more like a new chapter than a full circle.

The Moment That Sparked Global Attention

Back in February 2022, R Praggnanandhaa turned global headlines his way by doing the unthinkable-he defeated world number one Magnus Carlsen in a rapid match during the Airthings Masters online tournament. For a teenager from Chennai, still finding his rhythm among chess greats, this was no fluke. It was a signal. A clear message that India's next chess chapter had officially begun.

Early Moves That Mattered

Born on August 10, 2005, in Tamil Nadu, Praggnanandhaa earned the Grandmaster title at the age of 12, becoming the fifth-youngest in history to do so. Chess wasn't just a hobby-it was in his blood. His older sister, Vaishali Rameshbabu, is an International Master and Woman Grandmaster herself, making the sibling duo a rare phenomenon in Indian sports.

Their training sessions weren't driven by pressure but by shared passion. Under the steady guidance of coach R B Ramesh, Praggnanandhaa honed his skills with daily practice that stretched four to five hours, focusing as much on mindset as on the board.

From Inspiration To Identity

Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen have long been idols for the young Grandmaster. Yet today, Praggnanandhaa finds himself sharing the same league and beating them at it. His calm under pressure, strategic depth, and willingness to take risks reflect the kind of maturity that's rare at his age.

But what truly sets him apart is his grounded personality. In a space where intense pressure and media buzz are part of the game, he's kept his focus razor-sharp. His respect for mentors, gratitude toward his family, and humility despite accolades have turned him into quite the phenomenon.

A Landmark Win In Tashkent

In June 2025, Praggnanandhaa clinched the UzChess Cup Masters in Tashkent, a win that changed everything. Entering the final day behind top contenders Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov, Praggnanandhaa staged a thrilling comeback. A victory over Abdusattorov in the last round created a three-way tie before he sealed the title through back-to-back blitz victories.

With this win, his live rating jumped to 2778.3, placing him at world number four and India's top-ranked player, surpassing World Champion D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi. At just 19, he became the youngest Indian to ever reach this global ranking milestone.

Photo Credit: ANI

A Year Of Consistent Wins

This wasn't a one-off. Praggnanandhaa has been consistently delivering in 2025 winning the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, the Superbet Classic in Romania, and finishing runner-up at the Stefan Avagyan Memorial. Each tournament has tested different aspects of his game from endurance to adaptability and he's risen to each challenge with quiet confidence.

His most recent Tashkent win was special not just for the trophy, but for the way he handled high-stakes tiebreaks, outwitting seasoned players under pressure.

Voices Of Recognition

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand praised Praggnanandhaa's performance, calling it his third major classical win of the year. Gautam Adani joined the chorus, posting on social media, "India's youth is truly our biggest strength," in admiration of the grandmaster's achievement.

These acknowledgements from India's icons speak not just to his skill, but to the national impact of his journey.

The Bigger Picture

What does this mean for Indian chess? Beyond medals and ratings, Praggnanandhaa represents a change in how young talent in India is evolving-disciplined, fearless, and self-aware. He isn't chasing fame; he's shaping a legacy. And in doing so, he's inspiring a generation of kids who see themselves not just as future players, but as future champions.

Looking Ahead

Magnus Carlsen still holds the top spot with a rating of 2839.2, but the gap is closing. With players like Praggnanandhaa in the mix, the hierarchy in global chess is beginning to tilt. And while the next few years will bring new rivals, greater pressure, and harder battles, one thing is certain, he's not going anywhere.