Chess, one of the world’s oldest strategy games, was born in India in the 6th century. And now, it’s making a bold return to its roots — not just as a traditional pastime, but as a modern-day mind sport played by a new generation of chess prodigies.
Leading this revolution are young stars like D Gukesh, who became the youngest Indian to win the Candidates Tournament, and R Praggnanandhaa, who stunned the chess world by defeating former World Champion Magnus Carlsen in classical format.
With legends like Viswanathan Anand, India’s first World Champion, laying the foundation, and platforms like MPL making chess more accessible, the game has spread from schools to smartphones. Today, India is home to a powerhouse of Grandmasters, International Masters, and thousands of FIDE-rated players.
As of July 2025, India stands strong on the world stage, not just participating, but winning.
List of Top Indian Chess Players in 2025
India is home to some of the finest minds in the chess world, with players dominating both junior and senior circuits. Here’s a look at the top Indian chess players making waves globally in 2025.
1. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2779
Born in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) in 2005, Pragg started playing chess at the age of 5. His talent was spotted early, and he was trained by coach Ramesh RB. He became an International Master at 10 and a Grandmaster by 12, making him one of the youngest ever to do so. Nicknamed “Pragg,” he’s known for his quiet confidence and sharp calculations. He has a calm presence at the board but attacks like a warrior.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Youngest-ever finalist at the FIDE World Cup 2023
- Defeated Ding Liren at Tata Steel Chess 2023 in classical format
- Consistently performs against top-10 players, showing nerves of steel
2. Gukesh Dommaraju
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2776
Born in Hyderabad in 2006, Gukesh is the son of an ENT surgeon and a microbiologist. He took to chess early and was trained by top Indian coaches. At 12 years, 7 months, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history at the time. Gukesh is known for his fearless play and solid preparation. His deep focus and maturity beyond his years have made him a global sensation.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Won the Candidates Tournament 2024, becoming the youngest challenger ever
- Defeated Ding Liren to become the World Chess Champion in December 2024
- First teenager to cross 2750 rating (Aug 2023)
3. Arjun Erigaisi
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2776
Arjun hails from Warangal, Telangana. Born in 2003, he became the first Grandmaster from Telangana at the age of 14. A calm thinker and deep strategist, Arjun is also known for his interest in academics and balance between studies and chess. His tactical style and aggressive play have made him a rising star. Arjun is soft-spoken, but his moves are loud.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Strong performances in Tata Steel Chess, Menorca Open, and Stepan Avagyan Memorial
- Defeated Magnus Carlsen in a classical Armageddon game at Norway Chess 2025
- One of India’s top-rated classical players today
4. Viswanathan Anand
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2743
Born in Chennai in 1969, Anand is a true icon. His mother taught him chess at age 6, and he quickly rose to become India’s first Grandmaster in 1988. He has inspired generations of Indian players. Known as the “Tiger of Madras,” Anand is a five-time World Champion and was the first Indian to cross 2800 in classical ratings.
Important Classical Achievements:
- World Champion (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012)
- Won World Championship matches against Kramnik, Topalov, Gelfand
- First recipient of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and awarded the Padma Vibhushan
5. Aravindh Chithambaram
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2724
Born in Madurai in 1999, Aravindh started young and quickly rose through the junior ranks. He became a Grandmaster in 2015 and has quietly become one of India’s strongest classical players. He’s known for his balanced style, positional when needed, tactical when it matters. Always a tough nut to crack.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Two-time Indian Champion (2018, 2019)
- Won Prague Masters 2025 and Stepan Avagyan Memorial 2025 with unbeaten scores
6. Vidit Gujrathi
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2720
Born in Nashik, Maharashtra in 1994, Vidit became a Grandmaster at 18. He’s known not just for his chess but also for his strong fanbase online—he streams, explains, and educates too! A fighter on the board with a calm presence, Vidit is a regular name in top tournaments.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Winner of FIDE Grand Swiss 2023, which qualified him for Candidates 2024
- Reached 2700 Elo, becoming India’s fourth to do so
- Strong showings in Tata Steel Masters and elite global events
7. Pentala Harikrishna
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2709
Born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh in 1986, Hari became a Grandmaster in 2001. He was once India’s top-rated player, briefly overtaking Anand in 2016. Harikrishna is a deep positional player known for his strategic planning, adaptability, and creative flair that often surprises even the strongest opponents.
Important Classical Achievements:
- World Junior Champion (2004)
- Asian Champion (2011)
- Key player in India’s Olympiad teams
8. Nihal Sarin
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2692
Born in 2004 in Thrissur, Kerala, Nihal became a Grandmaster at 14 and crossed 2600 Elo soon after, showing signs of a rare talent. Fast and focused, Nihal is brilliant in blitz and rapid, but also a strong classical force.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Strong results in youth classical events and global opens
- Known for his exceptional endgame play and sharp calculation
9. Raunak Sadhwani
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2681
Born in Nagpur in 2005, Raunak became a Grandmaster at 13. He’s part of the new-gen pack of fearless and hard-working players. Always hungry to improve, Raunak has been climbing the rating ladder steadily.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Regular high finishes in international classical open tournaments
- Known for challenging top-rated players and learning fast
10. Karthikeyan Murali
Current FIDE Classical Rating: 2650
From Chennai and born in 1999, Karthikeyan is a two-time Indian Champion and a deep student of the game. His preparation is one of the strongest on the circuit. Quiet, humble, and powerful Karthikeyan lets his moves do the talking.
Important Classical Achievements:
- Indian National Champion (2015, 2016)
- Defeated Magnus Carlsen in a classical game in 2023—only the third Indian to do so.
The Rise of a Chess Superpower: What’s Driving India’s Success?
India is now a big name in the chess world, and this success didn’t happen overnight. The All India Chess Federation has worked hard to support young players by holding tournaments and giving financial help through the Top National Players Stipend. Players are getting better training, and many have become Grandmasters at a young age. Inspired by legends like Viswanathan Anand, India’s first World Champion, new stars are rising and reaching big events like the FIDE World Chess Championship and Candidates Tournament. India is growing stronger every year in the world of chess.
Conclusion
India has come a long way from creating its first Grandmaster to now producing players who are winning on the global stage. With champions like Anand, young stars like Gukesh, and more Indian names in top chess events, the dream of winning more World Championships is real. India’s journey in chess is only getting better, and the future looks bright.
FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the FIDE World Chess Championship?
The FIDE World Chess Championship is the biggest and most respected title in chess. It’s organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and the winner becomes the official World Champion.
Q2. How many Grandmasters does India have in 2025?
India has more than 85 Grandmasters (GMs) as of 2025, placing it among the top chess-playing nations in the world.
Q3. Who was India’s first World Champion?
Viswanathan Anand, from Tamil Nadu, was India’s first World Chess Champion, winning the title in 2000. He went on to win it five times, making chess popular across India.
Q4. Where can I play and practice chess online?
If you’re 18 or older, you can play chess on the MPL app (Mobile Premier League), where you can sharpen your skills and compete in real-time games.
Q5. How can someone start their chess journey in India?
To start playing chess, learn the basics from free online tutorials or local coaches. Join school or local chess clubs. As you improve, take part in rated tournaments held by the All India Chess Federation (AICF). Adults (18+) can also test their skills in online games on apps like MPL.
Q4. What is the Candidates Tournament?
The Candidates Tournament is a major chess event where top players compete to challenge the current World Champion. Winning this is a big step in chess history.
Q5. Who is the youngest Indian to win the World Championship?
D Gukesh became the youngest Indian World Champion in classical chess in 2024 after beating Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship final.
