Praggnanandhaa Crowned UzChess Cup Champion, Overtakes Gukesh as India's Top-Rated Player

Praggnanandhaa Ascends to India's Chess Throne, Claims UzChess Cup Masters Title

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has officially ascended to the throne of Indian chess, seizing the UzChess Cup Masters title in a breathtaking performance on Friday.

The 19-year-old Grandmaster secured the championship by masterfully defeating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the Black pieces in the final round, marking a pivotal moment in Indian chess history.

This triumph propelled Praggnanandhaa’s live rating to an impressive 2778.3, elevating him to World No. 4, his highest ranking to date. This achievement solidifies his position among the world's chess elite and signals a generational shift in Indian chess, as he surpasses D Gukesh in live classical ratings.

2025 has been a remarkable year for Praggnanandhaa. He previously stunned the chess community by defeating reigning world champion Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.

However, this recent victory is even more significant. Praggnanandhaa not only conquered a prestigious international tournament but also confirmed his status as the new leader of Indian chess. It symbolizes a passing of the torch, as he surpasses his peers in a discipline where experience often holds sway.

Praggnanandhaa's rise has been characterized by exceptional maturity, a profound understanding of the game, and unwavering composure under pressure. As India’s top-ranked player and one of the youngest ever to break into the top 5 globally, he is not merely continuing a legacy; he is forging his own. Indian chess now enters a new era, with Praggnanandhaa at the helm.