Pragg extends lead in FIDE Circuit 2025
World No. 4 in LIVE ratings GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu increased his lead in the FIDE Circuit 2025 race, a run-up for the next Candidates slot logging 86.28 points so far. Pragg’s thrilling title triumph at the 2nd Uzchess Cup, Tashkent saw the Indian Grandmaster strengthen his position on top of the FIDE Circuit table. Following Pragg in FIDE Circuit points position are GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov (50.78), Aravindh Chithambaram (41.32) and Ding Liren (40.64).
The tournament results this year has been going like a dream for the FIDE Circuit leader viz.,
Tata Steel Wijk aan Zee – Winner
Prague Masters – tied for 2nd
GCT Superbet Romania – Winner
Stepan Avagyan Memorial – tied for 1st
2nd Uzchess Cup – Winner
Currently India No. 1 clinched his maiden Tata Steel Wijk aan Zee (popularly known as the Wimbledon of Chess) title in February followed by a tied for second place finish at Prague Masters in March. Taking the title in tie-breaks at the high profile GCT Superbet Chess Classic Romania in May 2025, Praggnanandhaa powered through Stepan Avagyan Memorial at Jermuk, Armenia tying for the 1st place before clinching the 2nd Uzchess Cup at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Pragg’s hot streak has set the path for him to go for the pinnacle.
Pragg’s immediate rival in the leader-board now is GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov who will be equally determined to pick one of seven remaining Candidates slot before the end of the qualification cycle. The only player so far to confirm his place in the next Candidates is GM Fabiano Caruana (USA) who topped the FIDE Circuit race in 2024 narrowly edging out Indian Grandmaster Erigaisi Arjun.
| # | PLAYER | RATING | FED | CIRCUIT POINTS | EVENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Praggnanandhaa R | 2737 | IND | 86.28 | Wijk aan Zee, Bucharest, Jermuk, Uzchess Cup, Prague, Warsaw |
| 2 | Abdusattorov, Nodirbek | 2777 | UZB | 50.78 | Wijk aan Zee, Sharjah, Uzchess Cup |
| 3 | Aravindh, Chithambaram VR. | 2718 | IND | 41.32 | Prague, Jermuk |
| 4 | Ding, Liren | 2728 | CHN | 40.64 | World Chp, Singapore |
| 5 | Giri, Anish | 2733 | NED | 38.58 | Wijk aan Zee, Prague, Sharjah |
| 6 | Sindarov, Javokhir | 2682 | UZB | 35.94 | Malmö, Uzchess Cup |
| 7 | Indjic, Aleksandar | 2647 | SRB | 34.13 | Agzamov Mem, Baku, Sharjah, Dubai |
| 8 | Nihal Sarin | 2676 | IND | 33.48 | Agzamov Mem, Menorca, Al Ain, Dubai |
| 9 | Daneshvar, Bardiya | 2600 | IRI | 33.39 | AL-BERUNIY, Aeroflot, Agzamov Mem, Al Ain |
| 10 | Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime | 2731 | FRA | 30.28 | GCT Warsaw, GCT Bucharest |
Table Source: FIDE (International Chess Federation)
The seven remaining Candidates spots are decided through:
(a) three from FIDE World Cup 2025
(b) two from FIDE Grand Swiss 2025
(c) one from FIDE Circuit 2025
(d) one by Rating
With six more months to go, it could still become a close race. But, Praggnanandhaa like a first batting cricket team, has put the runs on the board and it’s for the rest to power their way and overtake for a grand-stand finish.
FIDE Circuit 2025 Regulations
Pictures courtesy: Prague Masters 2025, Tata Steel Chess 2025
