Arjun Erigaisi: A Champion Who Keeps Fighting

Arjun Erigaisi, the rising star in the world of chess, has once again proven his mettle by winning the Stepan Avagyan Memorial tournament with a stellar performance. Despite his victory, Arjun’s journey to the top has been anything but easy. The soft-spoken powerhouse has been fighting against the odds, showcasing his grit, persistence, and never give up spirit.

The Category 17 tournament, with an average rating of 2668, saw Arjun emerge victorious with a score of 6.5/9. The total prize fund of the tournament was a whopping 7450000 AMD (≈ US$ 18400), with the top three prizes being 3100000 AMD (≈ US$ 7976), 1 850 000 AMD (≈ US$ 4760), and 1500000 AMD (≈ US$ 3859) each. Additionally, there were Chessify prizes for all ten participants, with the top three prizes being bundles worth $350, $300, and $250 each.

Arjun’s recent success comes after a series of strong performances in various tournaments since the beginning of 2024. With an impressive record of 41 wins, 27 draws, and just 2 losses in 70 games, Arjun has shown a total Elo gain of 40.9. Currently ranked as India’s no.1 player, Arjun is just 15 Elo points behind the world’s top players like Carlsen, Nakamura, and Caruana.

Chess journalist Tarjei J Svensen highlighted Arjun’s remarkable rating jump, which is the third highest for a 2700 player, only behind Magnus Carlsen and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Arjun’s dedication and determination have not gone unnoticed, with experts and fans alike praising his incredible talent and potential to reach the coveted 2800 Elo mark.

As Arjun continues to make waves in the world of chess, his victory at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial tournament is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game. With upcoming events like the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and a bright future ahead, Arjun Erigaisi is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.