Arjun Erigaisi’s Rise to World No. 2 in Chess Rankings Marks Golden Chapter for Indian Chess

Arjun Erigaisi’s recent success in the world of chess has not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also marked a golden chapter for Indian chess on the global stage. The Indian Grand Master’s victory over Alexey Sarana in the Chennai Grand Masters 2024 propelled him to the second spot in the world chess rankings with an impressive haul of 2805.8 points.

Arjun’s remarkable achievement has seen him surpass American grandmasters Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura, placing him just behind Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen. The 21-year-old GM is currently jointly leading the Masters category alongside Amin Tabatabaei after three rounds.

Last month, Arjun became only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve the landmark 2800 ELO ratings. His strategic gameplay and mental fortitude were on full display during his match against Sarana, where he outmaneuvered his opponent to secure his second win of the competition.

In a recent interview, Arjun credited practices like yoga and Inner Engineering for his mental transformation and unique perspective on success and failure. Despite facing challenges in 2023, including missing out on the Candidates Tournament, Arjun’s resilience and determination have propelled him to new heights in 2024.

Meanwhile, fellow Indian chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Pranav V have also showcased their skills in the Chennai Grand Masters 2024. Gujrathi played out a gritty draw against Chithambaram, while Pranav continued his outstanding run in the Challengers category with three consecutive wins.

Arjun Erigaisi’s rise to the top of the world chess rankings not only reflects his individual talent but also signifies a promising future for Indian chess on the global stage. His dedication to the game and innovative approach to mental well-being have set him apart as a rising star in the world of chess.