Indian GM Pranav Venkatesh Dominates FIDE World Junior Championship 2025, Anna Shukhman Takes Girls Title
An 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy, Pranav Venkatesh, emerged victorious in the FIDE World Junior Championship 2025, outshining 11 other grandmasters to claim the coveted title. The tournament, held in Petrovac, Montenegro from February 26 to March 7, saw Pranav dominate the field with an undefeated score of 9 points from 11 rounds.
Meanwhile, in the Girls category, 16-year-old WIM Anna Shukhman clinched the title with a full point lead over her competitors. The event featured 157 players in the Open section and 98 participants in the Girls section.
Pranav’s triumph adds another feather to India’s cap in the world of chess, following recent successes by other Indian players. His victory comes after GM Aravindh Chithambaram’s win in the Prague Chess Festival Masters and GM Arjun Erigaisi’s consecutive victories in Freestyle Friday events.
Hailing from Chennai, India’s chess capital, Pranav joins the ranks of elite Indian players who have achieved success on the international stage. His win marks India’s first World Junior Championship title in 17 years, following Abhijeet Gupta’s victory in 2008.
Pranav’s stellar performance in Montenegro solidifies his position among the top junior players globally, with a significant rating boost and a spot in the top 10 highest-ranked juniors. His future goals include further improving his rating and aiming for qualification in the upcoming world championship cycle.
With support from his family, mentorship from chess legend Viswanathan Anand, and guidance from his coach GM Sundar Shyam, Pranav’s journey to success reflects dedication and talent in the world of chess.
On the other hand, Anna Shukhman’s impressive rise to victory in the Girls category showcases her tactical prowess and determination. The Russian teenager’s remarkable rating surge and strategic gameplay highlight her potential as a rising star in the chess world.
The World Junior Championship faced initial challenges due to weather disruptions, but the organizers managed to overcome obstacles and deliver a thrilling competition for players and fans alike. Pranav and Anna’s triumphs serve as testaments to their skill and resilience in the world of competitive chess.