Dominating performance in Tashkent

Praggnanandhaa becomes India’s top-ranked chess player: R Praggnanandhaa has won the UzChess Cup Masters 2025, held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. This elite event featured some of the world’s strongest players, including several top-10 Grandmasters.

The victory earned him a major boost in FIDE ratings, pushing him to World No. 4. He has now become the highest-ranked Indian chess player, surpassing Viswanathan Anand for the first time in history.

Rise to the top

The 18-year-old Grandmaster has been a consistent performer over the past two years. He had previously reached the finals of the FIDE World Cup 2023, defeating several top-tier opponents and earning global recognition.

His win in Tashkent adds to a streak of strong performances in both classical and rapid formats. He is now a serious contender in upcoming World Chess Championship cycles.

Static GK fact: The Grandmaster title is awarded by FIDE and is the highest title a chess player can attain.

Major milestone for Indian chess

This is a landmark moment for Indian chess. For more than two decades, Viswanathan Anand remained India’s highest-ranked player. Praggnanandhaa’s rise to World No. 4 marks a historic generational shift.

He joins a new wave of Indian chess talents including Gukesh D, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi, making India a rising powerhouse in global chess.

Static GK Tip: Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 and has won the World Chess Championship five times.

Uzbekistan as a rising chess hub

The tournament’s host country, Uzbekistan, is fast emerging as an international chess centre. Its capital, Tashkent, is hosting more FIDE-sanctioned events in recent years.

The country has also produced strong players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who became the World Rapid Champion in 2021.

Static GK fact: Tashkent was a major city on the ancient Silk Road and now frequently hosts international sporting events.

Road ahead for Praggnanandhaa

With this career-best ranking, Praggnanandhaa is now in contention for future Candidates Tournaments and Grand Chess Tour events. His composed style and consistent performance have earned praise from top players including Magnus Carlsen.

He is also expected to lead India’s squad in the upcoming Chess Olympiad 2026.

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Praggnanandhaa becomes India’s top-ranked chess player: