India has a new chess king — and he’s just 19 years old. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, fondly known as Pragg, has become India’s No.1 chess player and soared to World No. 4 in the latest live FIDE ratings after a stunning win at the UzChess Cup Masters 2025.
This major milestone reflects not just his exceptional skill but also the remarkable rise of Indian chess on the global stage. With a live rating of 2778.3, Praggnanandhaa surpassed fellow Indian prodigies D Gukesh (2776.6) and Arjun Erigaisi (2775.7) to secure the top national ranking.
Indian business magnate and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani took to social media to celebrate Praggnanandhaa’s historic feat, writing:
“Congratulations @rpraggnachess! Proud of you! Winning #UzChess, becoming India’s No.1 and World No.4 and you are still just 19! What an achievement! India’s youth is indeed our greatest strength.“
Adani’s words echo the pride of millions of Indians watching this teenager make waves across the international chess scene.
Born on August 10, 2005, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Praggnanandhaa was introduced to chess at the age of 5, inspired by his older sister R Vaishali, who is also a Woman Grandmaster and International Master. His father, Rameshbabu, works at a bank, and his mother, Nagalakshmi, is a homemaker. The family has played a crucial role in his journey, especially his mother, who travels with him to tournaments around the world, managing logistics and providing emotional support. Pragg lives in Chennai with his family and still maintains a simple lifestyle despite global fame.
Praggnanandhaa studied at Velammal Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai, a school known for encouraging sports alongside academics. Even while traveling across the globe for tournaments, he managed to keep up with studies — a testament to his discipline. His chess journey took off quickly. At just 10 years old, he became the youngest International Master in history in 2016. By 12, he had already become a Grandmaster, making him one of the youngest to achieve the title.
The turning point came with his victory at the UzChess Cup Masters 2025, a prestigious international tournament that attracted top-ranked players from across the globe.This win wasn’t just about lifting a trophy — it pushed his live rating to 2778.3, making him the highest-rated Indian chess player at present and elevating him to World No. 4, his best-ever global position.With this, he leapfrogged India’s other top young players — Gukesh and Erigaisi — in what is now being called the “golden generation” of Indian chess.
India is witnessing a revolution in chess, thanks to a cluster of brilliant young minds. Alongside Praggnanandhaa, stars like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin are making the world take notice.This new generation is fearless, well-trained, and backed by technology, mentorship (including from five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand), and increasing corporate and government support.And now, Praggnanandhaa leads this charge — not just in rating, but in inspiration.
With his current form, Praggnanandhaa is well on his way to becoming a World Championship challenger in the coming years. Having already qualified for the Candidates Tournament, he has the chance to directly contest for the world title.Experts believe it’s only a matter of time before we see a World Champion from India again — and Pragg is among the top contenders to make that dream come true.
From a small home in Chennai to the global chess stage, R Praggnanandhaa’s journey is proof that age is no barrier to excellence. He represents the future of Indian chess — smart, resilient, and fiercely talented.
Gautam Adani’s tribute — “What an achievement!” — perfectly sums up the national mood. At just 19, Praggnanandhaa is not only setting records but setting an example for India’s youth to chase their dreams with quiet confidence and unstoppable determination.
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