Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Gukesh, Claims UzChess Cup and India's Chess Supremacy

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in Indian chess history by winning the UzChess Cup Masters title on Friday, officially becoming India's number one chess player.

Praggnanandhaa celebrates his historic UzChess Cup Masters victory.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship with a stunning victory over Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final round, playing with the Black pieces. This win is a monumental achievement for the young prodigy and for Indian chess as a whole.

Praggnanandhaa's live rating soared to 2778.3 following this triumph, propelling him to World No. 4, his highest ranking ever. This result not only solidifies his position among the world's elite but also signifies a changing of the guard in Indian chess, as he now surpasses D Gukesh, the world chess champion, in live classical ratings.

While this is not Praggnanandhaa's first foray into the global spotlight, 2025 has been a particularly remarkable year for him. Earlier this year, he stunned the chess community with a victory over reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, this latest victory is particularly significant and historic. Praggnanandhaa's UzChess Cup Masters title not only marks his win in a prestigious international tournament but also confirms his status as the new leader in Indian chess.

This victory symbolizes a passing of the torch, as Praggnanandhaa overtakes his peers in a field where experience is often considered more valuable than youth.

Praggnanandhaa's rise to the top has been characterized by maturity, a profound understanding of the game, and unwavering composure under pressure. As India’s top-ranked player and one of the youngest to break into the world's top 5, he is not only building upon the legacy of Viswanathan Anand but also forging his own.

Indian chess is now entering a new era, with Praggnanandhaa leading the way.