Four Indian Chess Grandmasters in World Top 10

For the first time in chess history, India has achieved an unprecedented feat with four of its grandmasters ranking among the world’s top 10 players in the live FIDE ratings. This landmark moment was cemented by Aravindh Chithambaram’s stellar performance at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Jermuk, Armenia, from May 29 to June 6, 2025, where he clinched the title and surged to World No. 9 with a live rating of 2757.8. Joining him are D Gukesh (World No. 5, Elo 2776.6), Arjun Erigaisi (World No. 4, Elo 2778.6), and R Praggnanandhaa (World No. 6, Elo 2774.2), marking a golden era for Indian chess.

Aravindh’s victory at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial, a 10-player round-robin event, saw him finish unbeaten with 6.5/9 points, edging out compatriot Praggnanandhaa on tiebreaks. His standout wins included games against Denmark’s Jonas Bjerre and Hungary’s Benjamin Gledura, showcasing his strategic precision and tactical brilliance. This triumph follows his earlier success at the Prague Masters 2025, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender.

The rise of Gukesh, Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, and Chithambaram reflects India’s growing dominance in global chess. Gukesh, the 18th World Chess Champion, and Erigaisi, a double gold medalist at the 45th Chess Olympiad, have consistently held top positions. Praggnanandhaa, a frontrunner for the 2026 FIDE Circuit, continues to impress with one strong performance after another. This quartet’s ascent highlights the depth of talent in Indian chess, nurtured by a robust system and mentors like R B Ramesh, who noted Aravindh’s newfound confidence as key to his breakthrough.

This historic achievement underscores India’s transformation into a chess superpower, with its players not only dominating rankings but also inspiring a new generation. As these grandmasters prepare for upcoming challenges, the world watches India’s chess juggernaut redefine the game’s global landscape.

Photo courtesy: Maria Emelianova / Chess.com