The landscape of Indian chess saw a significant shift at the start of July 2025, with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa claiming the coveted spot of India`s number one player in classical chess. At just 19 years old, discussions of a “resurgence” might seem premature, yet 2025 has undeniably marked a transformative period for the young Grandmaster from Chennai.
Reflecting on the latter half of 2024, Praggnanandhaa had expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. This self-awareness, combined with dedicated work alongside his coaching team, appears to have paid dividends. Three high-profile tournament victories this year – the Tata Steel Chess Masters, Superbet Chess Classic, and the UzChess Cup – stand as clear testaments to his return to peak form, if not surpassing it.
A Shift Beyond the Board
Interestingly, Praggnanandhaa suggests that the fundamental chess aspects of his game haven`t undergone drastic changes. The pivotal difference, he explains, lies in his mental approach. A renewed desire to aggressively fight for wins, coupled with a steely determination to persevere through challenging positions and grueling tournament schedules, has been the true catalyst for his recent successes. This mental fortification has seemingly unlocked a new level of competitive edge.
He currently sits as the World No. 4, a ranking he himself downplays with pragmatic foresight, noting its volatility given the tight rating margins among top players. Yet, the results speak louder than any number.
Clutch Performances and Dramatic Comebacks
This newfound mental resilience was vividly on display at the UzChess Cup. Trailing the leader by a significant margin with only two rounds remaining, Praggnanandhaa faced a daunting task, needing to overcome formidable opponents. His victory against Arjun Erigaisi, followed by other favorable results, set the stage for a dramatic final round confrontation. His triumph against Nodirbek Abdusattorov forced a tie-break, which he ultimately navigated successfully to clinch the title.
His prowess in faster time controls during tie-breaks has also become a hallmark of his 2025 campaign. The Tata Steel Masters saw him defeat reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in a blitz tie-break. Similarly, he emerged victorious from a three-way tie-break at the Superbet Classic in Romania. While acknowledging the role of luck in such unpredictable formats, particularly his recovery from losing positions in the UzChess Cup tie-breaks, Praggnanandhaa rightly emphasizes the importance of simply being ready to fight when opportunities arise.
He fondly recalls the difficult paths he forged to reach these tie-breaks – crucial wins like beating Fabiano Caruana with black pieces late in the Tata Steel event, which kept him in contention. These hard-fought victories underscore the narrative of a player who is now actively seizing his chances.
Eyes on the Prize: The Candidates
Supported by his sponsors, Praggnanandhaa currently leads the FIDE Circuit 2025 standings, a promising route towards qualification for the prestigious 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament. The Candidates is the gateway to challenging for the World Championship title, currently held by his compatriot, Gukesh.
However, the young Grandmaster is taking nothing for granted. He understands the long and competitive road ahead. Major events later in the year, such as the FIDE Grand Swiss and the FIDE World Cup (where he was the runner-up in 2023), offer direct qualification spots, and Praggnanandhaa is strategically positioned to contend for them.
A Relentless Schedule
The path forward is undoubtedly demanding. Praggnanandhaa`s schedule for the remainder of the year is densely packed, a reality he addresses with a touch of weary acceptance: “I would like some rest, but it doesn’t look like I am going to get it.”
Upcoming commitments include a Grand Chess Tour event in Croatia, followed by the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis. Sandwiched between these are a Freestyle Chess tournament and the eSports World Cup in Riyadh, where he joins Team Liquid – an opportunity that could see him sharing the team stage with chess titans like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, provided he successfully navigates the qualifying stages.
Ultimately, the focus remains sharp on the Candidates Tournament. His current standing puts him in a strong position, but the lessons of the past year, particularly regarding the transient nature of form, serve as a potent reminder. Praggnanandhaa`s continued success hinges on maintaining the high level of play and, more importantly, the fierce fighting spirit that has defined his ascent in 2025 – the very qualities he will need if he is to eventually challenge for the ultimate crown.
