
Photo: Frans Peeters (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Praggnanandhaa
Career overview
Born in 2005, he has rapidly ascended the ranks of the chess world, achieving significant milestones including a second-place finish in the 2023 Chess World Cup.
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Career honours
1Arjuna Award for Chess · Awarded for his achievements in chess.
1Silver Medal · 2022 Asian Games, Men's Team Competition.
2Gold Medal · 2024 Chess Olympiad, Open Section.
2World Youth Chess Championship · Won Under-18 section in 2019.18
Records
RYoungest International Master · Achieved at age 10 years, 10 months.
RSecond Youngest Grandmaster · Achieved at age 12 years, 10 months.
Biography
Early Life & Origins
Praggnanandhaa was born on August 10, 2005, into a Tamil-speaking family in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father, Rameshbabu, is a branch manager at TNSC Bank, while his mother, Nagalakshmi, is a homemaker. He has an older sister, Vaishali, who is also a chess grandmaster, making them the first brother-sister duo to achieve this title.
Rise to Prominence
Praggnanandhaa's chess journey began at a young age, winning the World Youth Chess Championship Under-8 title in 2013. He became the youngest international master in history at just 10 years old and achieved the grandmaster title in 2018, becoming one of the youngest players ever to do so.
Playing Style & Technique
Known for his aggressive and tactical style, Praggnanandhaa has a unique ability to handle high-pressure situations. His strategic thinking and adaptability on the board have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in chess history, showcasing his potential to become a future world champion.
Defining Moments & Achievements
Among his notable achievements, Praggnanandhaa placed second in the 2023 Chess World Cup, making him the youngest player to reach the final. He also contributed to India's success at the 2022 Asian Games, winning a silver medal in the men's team competition and a gold medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024.
Rivalries & Era Context
Praggnanandhaa has emerged in a competitive era of chess, facing off against established players like Magnus Carlsen. His matches against Carlsen have been particularly noteworthy, as he has managed to secure victories in online tournaments, showcasing his capabilities against top-tier competition.
Legacy & Impact
As a young grandmaster, Praggnanandhaa represents the future of Indian chess and has inspired many young players. His achievements at such a young age have put him in the spotlight, making him a significant figure in the chess community and a role model for aspiring chess players worldwide.
Stats in detail
World Cup
Praggnanandhaa has made significant strides in the Chess World Cup.
| 2023 | 2nd place |
| 2025 | 4th round |
Olympiad
His contributions to the Chess Olympiad have been remarkable.
| 2022 | Silver Medal |
| 2024 | Gold Medal |
Tournaments
Praggnanandhaa has participated in various prestigious tournaments.
| 2025 Tata Steel | 1st place |
| 2025 FIDE Circuit | 1st place |
Youth Championships
His early career was marked by youth championships.
| World Youth Under-8 | 2013 Champion |
| World Youth Under-18 | 2019 Champion |
Career timeline
2013Won the World Youth Chess Championship Under-8 title.
2018Achieved Grandmaster title.
2022Won silver medal at the Asian Games.
2023Reached the final of the Chess World Cup.
2024Won gold medal at the Chess Olympiad.
2025Won the Tata Steel Chess Tournament.
Praggnanandhaa career moments
- February 20: He became the third Indian player (after Anand and Harikrishna) to win a game against World Champion Magnus Ca
- April 24: This win helped him qualify for the next Meltwater Champions Chess Tour on 24 April 2021, where he finished in
- June 23: He achieved his third and final norm at the Gredine Open in Urtijëi, Italy, by defeating Luca Moroni in the ei
- October 12: He won the World Youth Championships in the Under-18 section with a score of 9/11.
Latest Praggnanandhaa News
All 40 stories →
Chess · Player Focus
Praggnanandhaa Honored by Tamil Nadu CM on World Chess Day

Chess · Player Focus
Praggnanandhaa named among FIDE Excellence Awards finalists for chess dominance

Chess · Club News
Praggnanandhaa Trails in Blitz Chess Tournament

Chess · Match Report
Praggnanandhaa battles at Croatia Super Rapid & Blitz 2026

Chess · Match Report
Praggnanandhaa clinches joint-third at Croatia Rapid & Blitz title
Frequently asked
What is Praggnanandhaa's net worth?
Praggnanandhaa's estimated net worth is around $1 million.
How tall is Praggnanandhaa?
Praggnanandhaa is 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) tall.
How old is Praggnanandhaa?
Praggnanandhaa is 20 years old.
Is Praggnanandhaa retired or still active?
Praggnanandhaa is currently active in chess.




