Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Gukesh, Claims UzChess Cup Masters and India's No. 1 Chess Ranking

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

Praggnanandhaa celebrates his victory at the UzChess Cup Masters.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship by defeating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces in the final round, marking a watershed moment in Indian chess history.

This victory propelled Praggnanandhaa's live rating to 2778.3, elevating him to World No. 4, his highest-ever ranking. This achievement solidifies his position among the world's elite and signals a generational shift in Indian chess, as he surpasses D Gukesh in the live classical ratings.

While this isn’t Praggnanandhaa’s first foray into the global spotlight, the year 2025 has been particularly productive for the young prodigy. He previously stunned the chess community by defeating reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, his recent triumph is even more definitive and historic. Praggnanandhaa not only won a prestigious international tournament but also cemented his status as the new leader of Indian chess. It symbolizes a passing of the torch, as he surpasses his peers in a discipline where experience is often considered paramount.

Praggnanandhaa's rise has been characterized by remarkable maturity, a profound understanding of the game, and unwavering composure under pressure. As India’s top-ranked player and one of the youngest ever to break into the top 5 globally, he is not merely continuing the legacy of Anand; he is forging his own. Indian chess is now entering a new chapter, with Praggnanandhaa at the forefront.