Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha: From KBC’s Hot Seat to Chess Stardom in Riyadh
Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha Stays on the Hot Seat
NEW DELHI: For those unfamiliar with India’s iconic quiz show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the term “hot seat” might conjure up a bizarre image. However, for Mitrabha Guha, India’s 72nd Grandmaster, the hot seat represents a thrilling milestone in his journey—a journey that has taken him from the chessboard to the television screen and now to the international stage.
Mitrabha’s unexpected appearance on KBC in February last year was a memorable twist in his life. “With KBC, you never really know if the call is genuine,” his father, Raj Guha, recounted. “Someone reached out to him on Instagram, asking if he was interested in participating.” As the show celebrated its silver jubilee in 2025, producers sought out exceptional Under-25 achievers, and Mitrabha, already a prominent chess player at 23, was among the select few chosen.
Despite initial doubts about his ability to answer the questions, Mitrabha embraced the opportunity. “It was a truly unique experience,” he shared. “Four or five full days of shooting, and getting to play in front of Amitabh Bachchan was very special.” The experience culminated in a win of Rs 4.8 lakh, a distinctive chapter in his already impressive journey.
From KBC to the Esports Nations Cup
While the KBC hot seat remains a cherished memory, Mitrabha has recently made headlines in the chess world. At just 24, he has secured India’s final berth at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 in Riyadh. This achievement follows his gold medal win at the Commonwealth Chess Championship, marking his second title in the competition.
“The Commonwealth Gold was very nice,” Mitrabha reflected. “The ENC is a bonus, and I’m thrilled to be performing well.” His path to qualification was anything but straightforward, involving a regional qualifier where only one spot was available for India. “I received a message from Chess.com about the tournament, and luckily, I won the first qualifier,” he explained.
Mitrabha topped the nine-round Swiss event with an impressive 7.5 points, remaining unbeaten and securing his place alongside Nihal Sarin, who had already received a direct invitation.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Perseverance
Mitrabha’s chess journey began in Kolkata at the tender age of three-and-a-half. His father recalls the skepticism of local chess academies regarding his age. “They told us to come back when he was six,” Raj said. However, a chance meeting with Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua changed everything. “He saw Mitrabha explain the moves effortlessly and decided to take him in,” Raj added.
By six, Mitrabha was ready for his first international tournament in Vietnam, a feat that seemed unimaginable for a child his age. “His mother cried, but Mitrabha was unfazed,” Raj recalled.
Despite their middle-class background, the Guha family faced financial challenges as Mitrabha pursued chess. “Chess required a lot of money,” Raj admitted. “All expenses had to be covered through my own prize money.” The struggle continued until 2019 when Mitrabha became an International Master, easing some financial burdens.
Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for Mitrabha. “The number of online chess tournaments increased significantly,” he noted, allowing him to win more prize money and alleviate financial stress.
Looking Ahead
Today, Mitrabha is not only focused on his chess career but is also pursuing an MBA. “We never neglected studies,” Raj emphasized. “If things don’t work out, you need to look for a job.” With financial uncertainties largely behind him and invitations flooding in from tournaments worldwide, Mitrabha is dedicated to the game that has defined his life.
As he prepares to compete against titans like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura at the Esports Nations Cup later this year, one thing is clear: Mitrabha Guha thrives on the hot seat, whether in the world of chess or on the television screen.