Aronyak Ghosh: India’s 95th Grandmaster and a Rising Star in Chess

Aronyak Ghosh Becomes India’s 95th Grandmaster After Four-Year Journey

Bangkok, Thailand – April 23, 2026 – In a remarkable achievement for Indian chess, 22-year-old Aronyak Ghosh has officially become the country’s 95th Grandmaster (GM) after securing his final GM norm at the Bangkok Chess Club Open. Ghosh finished tied for first place with an impressive score of 7 out of 9, marking a significant milestone in his four-year journey to the title.

Hailing from Kolkata, Ghosh has long been a captivating figure in the chess community, known for his innovative opening strategies and his ability to keep opponents guessing. His unique approach to the game has even left seasoned players like Hans Niemann scratching their heads.

Ghosh’s journey has not been without its challenges. His father, a former chess player turned arbiter, sacrificed family belongings to support his son’s chess ambitions, while his mother, a lawyer, provided a stable foundation. Ghosh’s early accolades include a bronze medal at the U16 World Youth Championship, showcasing his potential from a young age.

His path to becoming a Grandmaster began in earnest during his first European outing in August 2022, where he achieved his initial GM norm at the 23rd Sants International Open in Spain. Living in a rented apartment with his mother, Ghosh focused on honing his skills, ultimately finishing fourth and gaining a significant 14.9 Elo rating points.

In 2023, Ghosh captured headlines by clinching bronze at the Pune Nationals, where he triumphed over seven other competitors based on the Buchholz tiebreaker. His impressive performance continued at the Annemasse Masters, where he secured his second GM norm by defeating notable players Karthik Venkataraman and Polina Shuvalova.

Earlier this year, Ghosh showcased his rapid chess prowess by winning the rapid section of the Nationals with an unbeaten score of 9.5 out of 11 in Ranchi. His career high Elo rating peaked at 2555, solidifying his status as one of the strongest Indian International Masters without the GM title—until now.

Ghosh’s playful personality shines through in his choice of attire, often seen sporting cartoon-themed hoodies during competitions. As he celebrates this monumental achievement, the chess world eagerly anticipates what new strategies and surprises he will bring to the board as a Grandmaster.

For more on Ghosh’s inspiring journey and the sacrifices made by his family, read about how his father prioritized his chess career over ancestral properties here.

As Ghosh steps into this new chapter of his chess career, he embodies the spirit of perseverance and innovation, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India and beyond.