News: Vidit Gujrathi and R Praggnanandhaa have qualified for the Candidates Tournament, a major milestone for Indian chess. Vaishali Rameshbabu, an international master, will represent India in the women’s Candidates Tournament. This also booked their undisputed ticket to the candidates, where they will be competing for the World Chess Champion title in April 2024 in Toronto Canada!
India is booming at chess at a global level. Indian chess players are making a name for themselves throughout the world dominating the game of chess. We have compiled a resource of the latest Elo ratings and everything you need to know about your famous chess players in India in 2023.
| Top 15 Chess Grandmaster, India | Rating |
|---|---|
| 1. Anand, Viswanathan | 2748 |
| 2. Praggnanandhaa R | 2743 |
| 3. Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi | 2742 |
| 4. Erigaisi Arjun | 2738 |
| 5. Gukesh D | 2725 |
| 6. Harikrishna, Pentala | 2704 |
| 7. Narayanan. S.L | 2694 |
| 8. Nihal Sarin | 2693 |
| 9. Aravindh Chithambaram | 2662 |
| 10. Sadhwani, Raunak | 2654 |
| 11. Abhimanyu Puranik | 2645 |
| 12. Aryan Chopra | 2630 |
| 13. Negi, Parimarjan | 2612 |
| 14. Pranav, V | 2611 |
| 15. Karthikeyan, Murali | 2610 |
01. Viswanathan Anand
Grand Master, Deputy President FIDE
Standard 2748
Rapid 2749
Blitz 2709
Achievements
- India’s first and only world champion (2007 – 12).
- The only Indian player to have crossed the 2800 FIDE rating.
Awards
Chess Oscar (2008, 2007, 2004), Padma Shri (1988), CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (2012), CNN-IBN Indian of the Year in Sports (2012, 2007), Padma Vibhushan (2008), Padma Bhushan (2001), Arjuna Award for Chess (1985)
Bio
Viswanathan Anand (Vishi) is known worldwide as the golden pillar supporting Indian chess. He was born on 11 December 1969 and began practicing chess at six. As he loved the game, Vishi chased it as his passion and became the youngest Indian to achieve the title of International Master (IM), at age 15, by winning the Asian Junior Championship.
He was known for his quick thinking and aggressive play. Following his meteoric growth, Vishi soon became India’s first grandmaster (GM) at 18. Stepping on the next milestone, Vishi entered the world championships and struggled against tyrants such as Kasparov and Kramnik. In 2007 Vishi became the first undisputed world champion to win the title in a tournament, rather than in match play, since Mikhail Botvinnik in 1948.
Special note: Vishi made major efforts to make chess a mainstream game in India. Due to the efforts of such visionary players, India now dominates the game of chess. Because of his contribution, Vish was awarded the greatest sports honors and made the Deputy President of FIDE.
02. Praggnanandhaa
Grand Master
Standard 2743
Rapid 2704
Blitz 2675
Achievements
- He won the 2022 Indian National Championship.
- Qualified for Candidates 2024 by defeating Fabiano Caruana.
- 1st Indian after Anand to reach Chess World Cup semis
- Youngest player to reach WCC finals.
Bio
Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu is the second youngest Indian chess grandmaster. He started playing chess at a very young age and displayed immense talent and potential. It was no surprise for him to achieve the title of International Master at the tender age of 10. At that time he was the youngest-ever player to accomplish this remarkable feat. Praggnanandhaa, at the age of 14, became a Grandmaster, further solidifying his position as one of the brightest stars in Indian chess.
03. Vidit, Santosh Gujrathi
Grand Master
Standard 2742
Rapid 2701
Blitz 2657
Achievements
- He holds the title of 30th Indian chess grandmaster.
- He is only the 4th person crossing the 2700 threshold from India in Elo rating history.
- He also won the World Youth Chess Championship in the Open U14 section and became the first chess champion in India to do so.
Bio
Vidit is among India’s most famous chess players, staying in the spotlight with his appearance on social media. He became IM in 2008 at the age of 14 and attended and soon won the title of grandmaster in 2013. Recently he was the captain of the gold medal-winning Indian team in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020.
04. Erigaisi Arjun
Grand Master
Standard 2738
Rapid 2672
Blitz 2744
Achievements
- He won the 2022 Indian National Championship
Bio
Erigaisi Arjun is an Indian chess grandmaster who had a keen interest in chess from an early age. He started playing chess competitive chess and soon made a name in the world of chess. At the age of 16, Arjun achieved a remarkable feat by becoming an International Master. He continued to excel in the game and later earned the coveted title of Grandmaster, solidifying his status as one of India’s brightest chess talents. Arjun’s exceptional skills and strategic prowess have earned him several notable victories throughout his career.
05. Dommaraju Gukesh
Grand Master
Standard 2725
Rapid 2649
Blitz 2652
Achievements
- He holds the title of third-youngest Grandmaster in the World.
- He is also the youngest player ever to defeat the former world champion, Magnus Carlsen at the age of 16.
Bio
Gukesh was born on 29 May 2006 and started playing chess at seven. He became the IM in 2018 and missed the title of becoming the youngest GM by 17 days. Gukesh was the youngest Indian chess player to become GM (which is now the second youngest) in 2019 at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. He is a rising star with a bright future. His recent achievements include his perfect score of 8/8 start in the 44th Chess Olympiad which helped in defeating the champion U.S. Furthermore, in October 2022, he defeated Magnus Carlsun (Former World champion) in the Aimchess Rapid tournament.
06. Harikrishna, Pentala
Grand Master
Standard 2704
Rapid 2634
Blitz 2641
Achievements
- He was Commonwealth Champion in 2001, World Junior Champion in 2004, and Asian Individual Champion in 2011.
- He also became the youngest GM in India in 2001.
- Harikrishna is also the first person who surpassed Anand after a gap of three decades of unrivaled Elo live rating in 2016.
Bio
Harikrishna comes from the state of Tamil Nadu where he began to play the game of chess at the young age of 4. He was unrivaled from a younger age winning Indian Under-08 (1993), Under-10 (1995), Under-14 (1999), Under-15 (1998), and Under-18 (1998) titles. With such tremendous growth, Harikrishna soon became IM in 2000. He finally earned his last GM norm in 2001, along with an entry to the FIDE World Chess Championship, becoming a GM.
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07. Narayanan. S.L.
Grand Master
Standard 2694
Rapid 2598
Blitz 2640
Achievements
- Winner of the Asian U-16 title (2012).
- Gold medalist in the Asian Junior Blitz Chess Championship (2016).
Bio
S.L. Narayanan, an Indian grandmaster, claimed the Asian U-16 title and won gold in the Asian Junior Blitz Chess Championship. With a steady presence in tournaments, Narayanan has showcased his skills and achieved commendable placements, making him a respected player within the chess community.
08. Nihal Sarin
Grand Master
Standard 2693
Rapid 2653
Blitz 2704
Achievements
- Became a grandmaster at the age of 14.
- U-10 World Blitz Championship winner (2013).
- U-10 World Youth Chess Championship winner (2014).
- Bronze medalist at the 2022 FIDE Chess Olympiad.
- Winner of the Tata Steel India Rapid tournament.
Bio
Nihal Sarin, a chess prodigy from India, achieved grandmaster status at just 14 years old. His early success includes winning the U-10 World Blitz Championship and the U-10 World Youth Chess Championship. In 2020, he showcased his talent by triumphing in various prestigious events. Nihal continues to excel, securing notable placements at top tournaments and earning recognition as a formidable player.
9. Aravindh Chithambaram
Grand Master
Standard 2662
Rapid 2545
Blitz 2599
Achievements
- Triple Crown National champion (2019).
- Part of the gold medal-winning Indian team at the FIDE Online Olympiad (2020).
Bio
Aravindh Chithambaram, India’s first triple crown National champion, conquered all three formats – Classical, Rapid, and Blitz – in 2019. As a member of the victorious Indian team in the FIDE Online Olympiad, Aravindh has displayed his exceptional talent. His journey in chess is characterized by dedication, perseverance, and remarkable achievements.
10. Raunak Sadhwani
Grand Master
Standard 2654
Rapid 2558
Blitz 2667
Achievements
- Commonwealth U-10 Champion
- World Junior Rapid Chess Champion: Dominated the field in rapid chess.
- He has contributed to India’s remarkable team victory in the Chess Olympiad.
Bio
Raunak Sadhwani is an Indian chess grandmaster who achieved the title at the age of 13, becoming the 9th youngest player in history and the 4th youngest Indian to do so. Born on December 22, 2005, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, Raunak Sadhwani’s journey into the world of chess began at a young age. He is considered one of the most promising young players in the world and has achieved numerous milestones, including winning the World Junior Rapid Chess Championship in 2023. Currently ranked among the top 100 chess players globally, Raunak is poised to become a future World Chess Champion.
11. Abhimanyu Puranik
Grand Master
Standard 2645
Rapid 2538
Blitz 2511
Achievements
- IIFL Wealth Mumbai Open Victory.
- Bienne Chess Festival Open 2nd Place.
- Asian Students Team Championship Triumph.
Bio
Abhimanyu Puranik, a young Indian chess grandmaster, has amassed notable achievements, including the Grandmaster title at 17 and victories at the IIFL Wealth Mumbai Open and Riga Technical University Open. He played a crucial role in India’s Asian Students Team Championship win and is ranked among the top 100 chess players globally. With his talent and dedication, Puranik is poised to continue excelling in the chess world.
12. Aryan Chopra
Grand Master
Standard 2630
Rapid Not rated
Blitz Not rated
Achievements
- Second youngest Indian to become a Grandmaster
- Notable victory over GM Levan Pantsulaia of Georgia
- Impressive performance in the 2017 Abu Dhabi Chess Masters tournament
- A key contributor to the world team’s victory in the 2017 Match of the Millennials
Bio
Aryan Chopra, a prodigious chess master of India, achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 14 years, 9 months, and 3 days. Overcoming physical challenges, Chopra displayed incredible determination and skill, earning recognition as India’s fifth youngest Grandmaster. His journey exemplifies the triumph of perseverance in the face of adversity.
13. Parimarjan Negi
Grand Master
Standard 2612
Rapid 2613
Blitz 2613
Achievements
- Held titles of Indian and Asian chess champion.
- Champion of the 48th National Premier Chess Championship in 2010.
- Youngest grandmaster in India and the seventh youngest in the world.
- Secured a bronze medal at the 2014 Chess Olympiad, representing India.
Bio
Meet Parimarjan Negi, among the best chess player in India who earned the prestigious title of Grandmaster at the young age of 13. He filled his nation with pride as part of the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the 2014 Chess Olympiad. Parimarjan’s incredible journey reflects his unwavering passion and dedication to the game that has captivated hearts worldwide.
14. Pranav Venkatesh
Grand Master
Standard 2611
Rapid 2495
Blitz 2509
Achievements
- Winner of the Limpedea Open: August 2022
- Won Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour Champion
- Indian U9 Champion: 2015
Bio
Pranav Venkatesh, a 17-year-old Indian chess prodigy, began playing at 6 and quickly rose to prominence. In 2015, he won the Indian U9 championship. His dedication and talent culminated in his Grandmaster title in October 2022, making him the 75th GM from India. He further solidified his potential by winning the Limpedea Open and the Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour in the same year. Pranav’s achievements and passion inspire aspiring chess players worldwide.
15. Karthikeyan, Murali
Grand Master
Standard 2610
Rapid 2522
Blitz 2511
Achievements
- Giant Slayer: Defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the 2023 Qatar Masters, joining an elite group of Indian players to achieve this feat.
- Double National Champion: Secured back-to-back titles at the prestigious Indian National Premier Chess Championships in 2015 and 2016.
- World Youth Champion: Conquered both the Under-12 and Under-16 sections of the World Youth Chess Championships in 2011 and 2013 respectively.
- Team Triumph: Played a key role in India’s Under-16 Chess Olympiad victory in 2014, earning his Grandmaster title in the process.
Bio
From a five-year-old prodigy in Thanjavur to a Grandmaster at 16, Murali Karthikeyan’s chess journey is paved with triumphs. World U12 and U16 champion, Indian National Champion, and Abu Dhabi Masters contender, his brilliance continues to captivate. A force to be reckoned with on the checkered battlefield.
We update the ratings and players’ data every month so that you may remain up-to-date with our best Indian chess players.
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