Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Gukesh, Claims UzChess Cup and India's Top Chess Spot

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 securing the UzChess Cup Masters title on Friday.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster sealed his championship victory in a stunning final round, defeating Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces. This win marks a momentous occasion in the annals of Indian chess.

Praggnanandhaa's live rating soared to 2778.3 following this triumph, propelling him to a career-high World No. 4 ranking.

This achievement not only solidifies his position among the world's elite chess players but also signifies a generational shift within Indian chess. He now surpasses D Gukesh, the current world chess champion, in live classical ratings.

The year 2025 has proven to be exceptionally fruitful for the young prodigy. Previously, he had stunned the chess community with a victory over reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, this latest victory is particularly definitive and historic. Praggnanandhaa's UzChess Cup Masters title confirms his arrival as the new leader of Indian chess.

It's a symbolic passing of the torch, with Praggnanandhaa overtaking his peers in a field where experience often holds sway.

Pragg's rise has been characterized by a maturity that belies his age, a profound understanding of the game, and unwavering nerves in high-pressure situations.

As India’s top-ranked player and one of the youngest to break into the global top 5, he is building his own legacy.

Indian chess now embarks on a new era, with Praggnanandhaa leading the charge.