Las Vegas, July 17, 2025 – The global chess community is witnessing a significant shift as two young Indian Grandmasters, R Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh Dommaraju, have recently secured victories against the world number one, Magnus Carlsen, in major international tournaments. These wins underscore the rising prominence of Indian chess on the world stage.
R Praggnanandhaa, at just 19 years old, achieved a remarkable victory over Magnus Carlsen in a 39-move game at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas. This triumph was particularly notable for Praggnanandhaa’s high level of accuracy, achieving 93.9% compared to Carlsen’s 84.9%. The win not only advanced Praggnanandhaa to the top-bracket quarterfinals but also marked his sixth victory against Carlsen across all major time formats: Classical, Rapid, and Blitz. This performance has solidified Praggnanandhaa’s reputation as a formidable competitor on the international chess circuit.
Similarly, Gukesh Dommaraju’s victory over Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament further highlights the competitive edge of Indian players. Gukesh’s win against Carlsen, a rare occurrence given Carlsen’s dominance, is part of a broader trend where Indian chess talents are increasingly challenging the established order. This defeat for Carlsen, combined with Praggnanandhaa’s success, indicates a growing challenge to his reign at the top.
These victories are not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of strong performances by Indian players in recent tournaments. Both Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh have demonstrated exceptional skill and strategic acumen, earning them widespread acclaim and national pride in India. Their successes are contributing to a reevaluation of India’s role in global chess, positioning the country as a significant contender.
For Magnus Carlsen, these losses represent an unusual downturn. Following his defeat to Praggnanandhaa in Las Vegas and another loss to American Grandmaster Wesley So, Carlsen was eliminated from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam earlier than expected. This series of setbacks has prompted discussions about Carlsen’s current form and the emerging threats from younger players, particularly from India.
The implications of these wins extend beyond the chessboard. They signal a potential shift in the competitive landscape of international chess, with Indian players like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh poised to influence future tournaments and possibly challenge for world championships. As the chess world continues to evolve, the performances of these young Indian Grandmasters are likely to be a focal point, promising exciting developments in the sport.
