Indian chess is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge, marking a truly historic moment for the nation on the global chessboard. For the first time ever, four Indian grandmasters have cemented their place within the FIDE Top 10 live rankings. This remarkable achievement is further amplified by the consistent brilliant performances of R Praggnanandhaa, who currently leads the prestigious FIDE Circuit.
The Historic Quartet: India’s Dominance in the Elite Ranks
The recent entry of Grandmaster Aravindh Chithambaram into the world’s top 10, following his victory at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Jermuk, Armenia, has completed this groundbreaking quartet. He now stands alongside D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, who have been consistently making their mark among the global chess elite.
As of early June 2025, the Indian contingent in the top 10 includes:
- Arjun Erigaisi: Ranked No. 4 (2778.6 live rating)
- D Gukesh: Ranked No. 5 (2776.6 live rating)
- R Praggnanandhaa: Ranked No. 6 (2774.2 live rating)
- Aravindh Chithambaram: Ranked No. 9 (2757.8 live rating)
This diverse group of players, each with their unique playing styles – from Arjun’s calm precision to Gukesh’s fearless aggression, Praggnanandhaa’s creativity and resilience, and Aravindh’s emergence as a tournament specialist – signifies the depth and versatility of Indian chess talent.
Praggnanandhaa’s Stellar Run and FIDE Circuit Lead
Despite finishing second in the recent Stepan Avagyan Memorial, R Praggnanandhaa continues his exceptional form throughout 2025. The 19-year-old sensation holds a commanding lead in the FIDE Circuit standings with 83.59 points from five events. His impressive consistent performances, including victories at the Tata Steel Masters and Grand Chess Tour Romania Classic, a joint-second finish in Prague, and a third-place finish in GCT Poland Rapid & Blitz, position him as a strong frontrunner to qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament via the FIDE Circuit. His significant lead over second-placed Aravindh (41.32 points) highlights his dominant run.
The Chess Boom in India: Factors Behind the Rise
The current success is not an overnight phenomenon but the culmination of several factors contributing to a thriving chess ecosystem in India:
- Viswanathan Anand’s Legacy: The five-time World Champion, Viswanathan Anand, has been a monumental inspiration, initiating a “one-man revolution” and mentoring the current generation. His continued presence and involvement serve as a guiding light for aspiring players.
- Strong Grassroots Development: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) plays a crucial role in organizing tournaments, supporting player development, and nurturing young talent. Numerous private chess academies, like the Velammal Educational Trust, have produced multiple Grandmasters, including Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh.
- Dedicated Coaching: Elite trainers like R.B. Ramesh, often hailed as the “Pep Guardiola of chess,” have been instrumental in refining the skills of these young prodigies.
- Financial Support and Stability: The provision of secure basic salaries through state-owned companies allows selected players to fully focus on their chess careers without financial worries.
- Media and Online Popularity: The significant media coverage of chess events, coupled with the immense popularity of online platforms like Chess.com (where India is the second-largest market after the US), has increased accessibility and interest in the game. The influence of personalities like comedian and YouTuber Samay Raina, who streamed chess games, further boosted the sport’s appeal.
- A New Generation’s Ambition: The success of young players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi has created a snowball effect, motivating even younger aspirants to pursue chess professionally. This generation demonstrates an incredible work ethic and a deep love for the game.
What’s Next for Indian Chess?
The momentum generated by this golden generation shows no signs of slowing down. Several key events are on the horizon, with both Aravindh Chithambaram and R Praggnanandhaa slated to compete in the Uzchess Cup, starting June 18 in Uzbekistan, where they will face other top-tier players like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Arjun Erigaisi.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen himself has expressed his admiration, stating that the “future is certainly very bright for Indian chess,” acknowledging the presence of not just Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, but also Arjun, Aravindh, and many other promising talents coming through the ranks. This era truly marks a paradigm shift, as India continues to solidify its position as a global chess superpower.
