Praggnanandhaa Becomes India’s No. 1 Chess Player after UzChess 2025 Victory

Praggnanandhaa Makes History

In a year packed with high-stakes tournaments and jaw-dropping performances, 19-year-old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has just carved his name into Indian chess history. By winning the 2025 UzChess Cup Masters in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Praggnanandhaa has officially become India’s top-ranked chess player in the live classical ratings, overtaking legends and young rivals alike.
But this isn't just another trophy on the shelf - this win marks a powerful shift in Indian chess. It signals the arrival of a new era led by a quiet, determined genius who’s redefining how the world sees India on the 64 squares.

Victory at the UzChess Cup Masters 2025: A Game-Changer

The UzChess Cup Masters is no small event. Held from June 18 to June 28, 2025, this high-profile tournament featured a 10-player single round-robin format, with each game played under classical time controls - 90 minutes for the first 40 moves and 30 minutes to finish, with a 30-second increment from move one.

The competition was intense, with an average player rating of 2726, making it one of the strongest events on the calendar. The field included heavyweights like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and fellow Indian star Arjun Erigaisi.

Despite the pressure, it was Praggnanandhaa who emerged victorious. With the Black pieces in the intense final round, he pulled off a major win against local favorite Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan. What made it more thrilling? The win didn’t come easily - it had to be settled through nerve-wracking tiebreaks involving Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov.

Winning the tournament was just the beginning - it made a powerful statement. 

Career-High Rating and World Ranking Boost

Praggnanandhaa’s performance didn’t just earn him the title - it gave his live rating a massive push. With a rating jump to 2778.3, he hit the highest rating of his career so far. This rating places him at World No. 4 in the live classical rankings, an incredible feat for someone who’s still in their teens.

And perhaps most notably, it places him ahead of his Indian peers:

D Gukesh: 2776.6
Arjun Erigaisi: 2775.7
Viswanathan Anand: Former World Champion, now trailing in the live ratings

Yes, you read that right. Praggnanandhaa has officially surpassed Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world champion and India’s chess icon for decades. It’s a torch-passing moment that feels as emotional as it is inspiring.

2025: A Year of Consistency and Dominance

The UzChess Cup wasn’t a one-off win for Praggnanandhaa. It was the third major classical title he’s clinched this year. Let’s take a look at his outstanding 2025 run:

Tata Steel Chess Tournament – Dominated with steady play and bold strategies.
Superbet Classic, Romania (part of the Grand Chess Tour) – Held his own against the world’s elite.
Runner-up in another classical event – Proving he’s not just a one-hit wonder but a consistent top performer.

At just 19, Praggnanandhaa is playing like a seasoned grandmaster. His calm demeanor, smart preparation, and fearless approach make him a unique player to watch.

Inside the UzChess Cup Masters

Let’s talk more about the tournament that changed everything.
Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Dates: June 18 - 28, 2025
Format: 10-player single round-robin
Time Control: Each player starts with 90 minutes on the clock, and an extra 30 minutes is added after the 40th move. From the first move onward, a 30-second increment is applied per move.
Prize Fund: $80,000
FIDE Circuit Points: 26.63 (approx.) - A major boost for World Championship qualification

The lineup? A dream team of global chess powerhouses. Along with Abdusattorov and Sindarov, big names like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Richard Rapport, and Arjun Erigaisi filled the table. Competing and winning against such a field speaks volumes about Praggnanandhaa’s current form.

Celebrations and Recognition

As people heard about his success, messages of praise started coming in from across the chess world and even outside it.

With his usual warmth and humility, Viswanathan Anand congratulated Praggnanandhaa. He praised his performance in the tiebreaks, noting how incredible it was that he managed to clinch the title, especially when two rounds earlier, it didn’t even seem likely.

Gautam Adani, one of India’s top business magnates, took to social media to applaud the young star, calling his victory a symbol of India’s rising youth power.

Social media lit up with hashtags like #PraggPower and #ChessChampion, and fans celebrated not just the win but the humility and focus Praggnanandhaa displayed throughout.

Why This Win Matters More Than Ever

Praggnanandhaa’s rise isn’t just a personal achievement - it represents a broader shift in Indian chess. For years, Viswanathan Anand was the undisputed face of the sport in India. Now, a wave of young talent is reshaping the chess landscape, and Praggnanandhaa is at the forefront.

At a time when more kids are taking up chess, and India is becoming a global chess hub, having a 19-year-old World No. 4 leading the charge is nothing short of historic.

And let’s not forget - this journey is far from over. With such performances, Praggnanandhaa is now a serious contender for the World Championship cycle. If he keeps up this form, the dream of an Indian World Champion in classical chess once again doesn’t seem too far-fetched.

Final Thoughts

What Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has achieved in 2025 is remarkable. From winning three major titles to becoming India’s No. 1 in classical chess and breaking into the top 5 in the world, he’s redefining what it means to be a prodigy.

But what truly stands out is his resilience - the ability to perform under pressure, fight back in tiebreaks, and remain grounded despite rapid success.

India has found its new chess hero. And if this year is any indication, Praggnanandhaa’s best is yet to come.