Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Gukesh, Claims India's Chess Crown with UzChess Cup Victory

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, becoming India's top-ranked chess player.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship by defeating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces in the final round, marking a significant 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 signifies a generational shift in Indian chess, surpassing even the world chess champion D Gukesh in live classical ratings.

2025 has proven to be a stellar year for Praggnanandhaa. He previously stunned the chess world by defeating reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, Friday's 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 often trumps youth.

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

Indian chess now enters a new era, with Praggnanandhaa at its helm.