Aarav Dengla Becomes India’s 93rd Grandmaster at Just 17 Years Old

India Welcomes Its 93rd Grandmaster: Aarav Dengla Shines at Just 17

Mumbai, India – The chess community in India is buzzing with excitement as 17-year-old Aarav Dengla has officially become the country’s 93rd Grandmaster (GM). This remarkable achievement comes after the young prodigy completed all formalities for the coveted title this month, following a stellar performance that saw his classical live rating soar to 2506.

Dengla clinched his third and final GM norm at the GM Mix Bijeljina and GM Norm Round Robin Tournament held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he showcased his exceptional talent and determination. His journey to this milestone began in 2022 when he earned his first GM norm at the 1st International Grandmaster Tournament Bijeljina, followed by a second norm at the Zupanja Celebrates Chess GM-norm Round Robin in Croatia in 2025.

The Mumbai native has been making waves in the chess world, and his achievements are a testament to his dedication. In 2024, he won the prestigious Grand Paris Masters Championship, the oldest chess tournament in France, where he dominated the competition with a perfect score of 7 points, marking his first championship title in Paris.

“I started learning chess when I was five. I played my first few day tournaments when I was six. Since then, I’ve always been in love with the game,” Dengla shared in an interview with Chess.com. His passion for chess, ignited by his mother, quickly evolved from a hobby to a serious pursuit as he began participating in FIDE tournaments.

Currently a student at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, Dengla’s accolades also include a gold medal at the FIDE World Schools Rapid and Blitz in 2024, where he finished with an impressive 7.5 points from nine rounds.

Dengla is the second Indian to achieve the GM title in 2026, following Aaryan Varshney, who became the 92nd GM earlier this year. The legacy of Indian chess began with five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who earned his GM title in 1988, paving the way for future generations of chess enthusiasts.

As India’s chess scene continues to flourish, Aarav Dengla stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring players across the nation. His journey is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and hard work, the sky is the limit.