Chess is a game of strategy, brains, and patience. But now and then, a young talent emerges who shows the world something new on the chessboard. One such name that shook the chess world quite recently is R. Praggnanandhaa. From being a wonder child to becoming a Grandmaster, battling the world’s best, his story is an absolute inspiration.
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is an Indian chess grandmaster. He won the Tata Steel Masters 2025 to become the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2006.
At the tender age of 19, Pragg, lovingly referred to by this name, has achieved phenomenal records. He has defeated some of the world’s top chess players and continues to climb the ranks. His attacking play and aggressive nature make him stand out as a young chess sensation.
So let us see R. Praggnanandhaa’s story, his records, achievements, and his 2025 ranking.
Early Life of R. Praggnanandhaa
R. Praggnanandhaa was born on the 10th of August 2005, in Chennai, India. He was exposed to chess at a very young age. His International Master and Woman Grandmaster sister, R. Vaishali, played a significant role in developing his interest in the game. Observing her practice sessions, Pragg developed an inclination towards chess since the beginning.
His parents Nagalakshmi and Rameshbabu identified his early talent and steered him on the chess path. Constant practice and an excellent capability for understanding intricate strategies led Pragg to win tournaments during his childhood.
The Quiet Force Behind Praggnanandhaa’s Rise: His Coach, R.B. Ramesh
When we watch a young prodigy like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa taking on the world’s best and holding his ground with calm confidence, it’s easy to be swept away by the headlines. But behind that quiet brilliance is someone who’s rarely in the spotlight — his coach, Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh.
Their journey together isn’t just about chess. It’s about trust, belief, and the kind of mentorship that transforms raw talent into something truly extraordinary.
A Coach Who Saw What Others Didn’t
Praggnanandhaa’s talent was visible early on, but spotting talent is only half the job — nurturing it is the real work. GM Ramesh took Pragg under his wing when he was still just a curious, chess-loving boy. Under Ramesh’s guidance at Chess Gurukul, training wasn’t just about learning fancy openings or memorizing lines. It was about thinking deeper, playing with purpose, and most importantly — loving the game.
Discipline Over Drama
If you’ve ever watched Pragg during a tense match, you’ll notice his composure. No theatrics, no signs of panic. That’s Ramesh’s influence. He didn’t just train Pragg to be a strong player — he trained him to be a grounded human being. Focus, patience, resilience — these were all part of the curriculum.
Preparing for the Big Stage
As Pragg started climbing the ranks, the stakes got higher. Stronger opponents, longer games, global attention. Ramesh became more than a coach — he became a strategist, preparing Pragg for each match, studying opponents, and helping him walk into each tournament with clarity and confidence.
Whether it was his historic win over Magnus Carlsen or deep runs in global tournaments, the preparation behind the scenes was intense — and Ramesh was there every step of the way.
Picking Him Up During the Lows
What we don’t always see are the tough days — the painful losses, the missed chances, the self-doubt. And that’s where Ramesh’s role as a mentor truly shines. He knew when to push, when to pause, and when to just sit back and remind Pragg of how far he’d come.
Breaking Records at a Young Age
Pragg’s path to success as a chess player has been marred by record-breaking achievements.
- 2016: Became the youngest International Master at 10 years and 10 months.
- 2018: Became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history at 12 years and 10 months after winning the Grandmaster title.
- 2019: Won the Xtracon Chess Open in Denmark with 8.5/10 points from experienced opponents.
- 2022: Became the first player to defeat Magnus Carlsen in the Airthings Masters tournament, the youngest player to defeat Carlsen since he was declared World Champion.
These successes solidified Pragg’s position as a force to be contended with on the chess scene.
The 2023 FIDE World Cup: A Turning Point
One of the best experiences of R. Praggnanandhaa’s life was his spectacular play in the 2023 FIDE World Cup.
- He beat very highly rated chess players like Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana.
- He made it to the final round, and there he played against Magnus Carlsen.
- He was the runner-up, but this performance earned him a place in the 2024 Candidates Tournament, which brought him nearer to the World Chess Championship.
This tournament proved that Pragg could play at the top level, and his attacking style of play earned him international recognition.
R. Praggnanandhaa Ranking and Achievements in 2025
As of March 2025, R. Praggnanandhaa’s ranking has reached new heights.
- January 2025: Beat Gukesh D in a close playoff and won Tata Steel Chess Tournament.
- March 2025: 8th in the world, classical rating of 2758.
His high-level tournament victories have secured his place among the world’s brightest young chess talents.
Also Read: Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025
The Rise of Indian Chess Players
Pragg’s victory is just a part of an even larger narrative—the emergence of Indian chess.
- India is a chess giant today, with a string of chess players playing at the world’s highest level.
- Other than Pragg, there are others such as Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin who are also making their presence felt.
- India now has a string of Grandmasters under the age of 20, and this means that India is a talent nursery for chess.
Pragg’s journey has encouraged a lot of young players to take up studies in chess, and India is today one of the world’s strongest chess-playing countries.
How R. Praggnanandhaa different from others?
Pragg is different from others due to his unique playing style.
- He plays aggressively, always looking for new ways to attack.
- He has such a deep grasp of the game that he plays both positional and tactical chess with equal skill.
- He is not hesitant to take risks, and this makes his games exciting to watch.
This fearlessness and confidence have won him a lot of fans among the chess community.
Other Skills of R. Praggnanandhaa
Although chess is his game, there is more to Pragg than just chess.
- He is fluent in Tamil, English, and Russian, which helps him connect with players and coaches worldwide.
- His interests are playing the guitar and reading novels during his free time.
- He attributes his success to his family, who has stood by him from the beginning.
Despite his growing fame, Pragg is humble, focused, and committed, qualities which only make him more likable.
What’s Next for R. Praggnanandhaa?
Pragg’s biggest dream in the future is the World Chess Championship.
If he emerges as a winner, he will be among the youngest players ever to challenge for the title.
His journey, however, is only just starting, and chess fans all around the world can’t wait to find out just how far he goes.
Conclusion
R. Praggnanandhaa’s is a tale and a journey of grit, determination, and love. From having been a little boy who was fascinated by the game of chess to becoming an international superstar, his journey has been nothing but remarkable.
As he continues to break new records and achieve the R. Praggnanandhaa ranking, his journey motivates millions of chess enthusiasts to pursue their dreams.
If Pragg’s success has inspired you and you would like to level up your own game, then Kingdom of Chess is the place for you. We provide master guidance, training materials, and an engaged chess community to facilitate you becoming a master of playing the game. If you are starting chess learning or want to play competitively at a master level, we have got you covered.
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