Nineteen-year-old D Gukesh, the youngest of the Indian names echoing across the halls of elite chess, has etched another memorable victory – this time over the invincible Magnus Carlsen.
The Chennai lad beat the five-time World Chess Champion and the reigning eight-time World Blitz Chess Champion in a classical game, a first in that format for D Gukesh. The win at the Norway Chess Tournament saw Norwegian chess grandmaster (GM) slam his fist on the board in a rare display of frustration.
D Gukesh, reticent by nature, is fierce competitor on the board and this triumph has propelled him in the third position in the tournament. He is just a point behind Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, validating India’s ascendancy in the world of chess.
OH MY GOD 😳🤯😲 pic.twitter.com/QSbbrvQFkE
— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) June 1, 2025
While the 19-year-old’s recent conquest and his World Champion status grab headlines, he is part of a formidable
quartet that forms the new guard of Indian chess today.
These young GMs are not just carrying Viswanathan Anand’s formidable legacy forward, they are forging their own distinct paths. They represent the new Indian chess players – ambitious, hardworking, and unfazed by legendary reputations.
Leading the charge as India’s current #1 is GM Arjun Erigaisi. The rise of this player from Warangal has been meteoric.
Arjun, known for his sharp tactical acumen and performances at tournaments, has broken into the world’s top echelons by steadily climbing the ranks. He has his opponents on their toes as his calm demeanour at the board is in complete contrast to his dynamic chess moves.
GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu made his place among the world’s best chess players with his historic run at the FIDE World Cup in 2023. The chess prodigy is fondly called ‘Pragg’ by his family and fans alike.
He has surprised chess-lovers with his sharp moves on the board. Exhibiting brilliance and maturity beyond his years, he has held his own under pressure and defeated several top players.
Completing this elite chess quartet is GM Aravindh Chithambaram, who is perhaps lesser known than his contemporaries. However, his consistency on the board, his strong game and impressive ratings have placed him firmly among India’s best chess players.
Aravindh, a two-time Indian National Champion, brings experience along with a resilient playing style that makes him a formidable force in chess.
D Gukesh, the man of the moment in Indian chess, along with Arjun, Praggnanandhaa, and Aravindh represent the golden generation is redefining the world’s perception of India as a global chess power.
Interestingly, Carlsen himself, in an interview with a news agency, named these four players, noting that their success indicates a bright future for chess in the country.
Pics Credit : Instagram
