Praggnanandhaa Ousts Gukesh, Seizes India's Chess Crown with UzChess Cup Victory

Praggnanandhaa Ascends to India's Chess Throne, Claims UzChess Cup Title

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has officially ascended to the throne as India's No. 1 chess player, a historic feat achieved after clinching the UzChess Cup Masters title on Friday.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship in spectacular fashion, defeating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces in the final round. This victory marks a momentous occasion in Indian chess history.

The win propelled Praggnanandhaa’s live rating to an impressive 2778.3, elevating him to World No. 4, his highest ranking to date. This achievement not only solidifies his position among the world's elite players but also signals a generational shift in Indian chess, surpassing even the world chess champion D Gukesh in live classical ratings.

While this isn't Praggnanandhaa's first foray into the global spotlight, 2025 has proven to be a remarkable year for the young prodigy. Earlier this year, he stunned the chess community by defeating reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, the UzChess Cup Masters title represents a more definitive and historic triumph. Praggnanandhaa not only conquered a prestigious international tournament but also cemented his status as the new leader of Indian chess.

This transition signifies a symbolic passing of the torch, as he surpasses his peers in a discipline where experience often holds significant weight.

Praggnanandhaa's rise has been characterized by exceptional maturity, a profound understanding of the game, and unwavering composure under pressure. As India’s top-ranked player and one of the youngest to reach the top 5 globally, he is not merely continuing Anand's legacy but forging his own.

Indian chess is entering a new era, and Praggnanandhaa is poised to lead the charge.