Arjun Erigaisi’s Rollercoaster Ride at Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee

Arjun Erigaisi, after a stellar 2024, faced a challenging start to 2025 at the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk Aan Zee. The Indian chess prodigy lost 24 rating points during the 21-day event in the Netherlands, with a rocky start that saw him suffer four defeats in the first seven rounds. However, Erigaisi managed to stabilize his performance with four consecutive draws before finishing strong with victories over Nodirbek Abdusattarov and Gukesh in the final two games.

The tournament had high stakes, with both Abdusattarov and Gukesh vying for the championship title. Erigaisi’s defeat of Gukesh forced the world champion to face off against Praggnanandhaa in tiebreaks, where he ultimately lost.

Reflecting on his performance, Erigaisi admitted to playing too aggressively and taking too many risks early on in the tournament. He adjusted his strategy midway through, focusing on playing more solidly, which led to improved results in the latter half of the event.

Looking ahead, Erigaisi shared his plans for the rest of 2025, which include competing in the Paris edition of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, as well as participating in events like Norway Chess, the Grand Swiss, and the FIDE World Cup to qualify for the Candidates tournament. He also mentioned potential participation in World Rapid Blitz and Team events later in the year.

Despite the setbacks at the Tata Steel Chess tournament, Erigaisi remains determined to continue honing his skills and competing at the highest level in the world of chess. His upcoming engagements promise to showcase his talent and determination as he navigates the competitive chess circuit.