Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Gukesh, Claims India's Chess Crown with UzChess Cup Win

Praggnanandhaa Ascends to India's Chess Throne, Claims UzChess Cup Masters Title

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has officially ascended to the throne as India's No. 1 chess player, a historic moment sealed by his triumph at the UzChess Cup Masters on Friday.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship in spectacular fashion, defeating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces in the final round. This victory marks a significant turning point in Indian chess history.

The win propelled Praggnanandhaa's live rating to an impressive 2778.3, elevating him to World No. 4, his highest ranking to date. This achievement solidifies his position among the world's elite chess players and signals a generational shift within Indian chess, surpassing even world chess champion D Gukesh in live classical ratings.

While this isn't Praggnanandhaa's first foray into the global spotlight, 2025 has been a particularly remarkable year for the young prodigy. Earlier in the year, he stunned the chess community by defeating reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, this recent triumph is more definitive and truly historic. Praggnanandhaa not only conquered a prestigious international tournament but also cemented his status as the new leader of Indian chess. It represents a symbolic passing of the torch, as he surpasses his peers in a discipline where experience often holds sway.

Praggnanandhaa's rise has been characterized by a maturity that belies his age, a profound understanding of the game, and remarkable composure under pressure. As India’s top-ranked player and one of the youngest ever to break into the top 5 globally, he's not just carrying forward the legacy of Viswanathan Anand; he's forging one of his own.

Indian chess is now entering a new era, and Praggnanandhaa is undeniably at its helm.