Praggnanandhaa: The New Chess Sensation Outshining Magnus Carlsen, Says Grandmaster Thipsay

Praggnanandhaa’s Triumph: A New Era for Indian Chess

New Delhi — In a groundbreaking achievement, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has become the first Indian to clinch the prestigious Norway Chess title, solidifying his position among the elite in the chess world. Dronacharya awardee and Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay has hailed Praggnanandhaa as a more formidable opponent than World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, emphasizing his status as the strongest Indian player today.

Thipsay, in an exclusive interview with PTI, expressed his admiration for the 20-year-old prodigy. “On current form, Praggnanandhaa can be considered one of the most dangerous opponents in the world, even more so than Carlsen,” he stated. This assertion is backed by Praggnanandhaa’s impressive track record against the Norwegian legend, a feat few have accomplished in recent years.

Praggnanandhaa’s victory at Norway Chess 2026 is being celebrated as one of the finest achievements by an Indian player in recent memory. His remarkable finish to the tournament, where he triumphed in his final four rounds against opponents rated above 2750—including Carlsen and fellow Indian star D. Gukesh—has drawn widespread acclaim.

“What a great comeback! After a somewhat disappointing 2025, he has produced something truly extraordinary. Indian chess needed a performance like this,” Thipsay remarked.

One of the most significant transformations in Praggnanandhaa’s game has been his evolution from a sharp attacking player to a versatile competitor. Once primarily known for his aggressive style, he has now developed a well-rounded approach, excelling in various positions. Thipsay noted, “Three or four years ago, he was feared for his attacking chess. But opponents gradually learned how to neutralize those strengths. Over the last few months, he has added new dimensions to his game, including improved defense, positional understanding, and tactical accuracy.”

Thipsay likened Praggnanandhaa’s evolution to that of former world champions Anatoly Karpov and Carlsen, who focus on outplaying opponents through superior understanding rather than relying solely on opening advantages.

The future looks bright for Indian chess, with Thipsay identifying Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi as genuine contenders for the world title. While all three have the potential to become world champions, Thipsay believes Praggnanandhaa currently holds a slight edge due to his recent form and ability to consistently defeat top-tier players.

“It’s crucial to maintain form over time. Like Kasparov, who was the strongest player in the world for 18 years, if our youngsters can achieve that level of consistency, it would be remarkable,” he added.

Former Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua also praised Praggnanandhaa’s achievement, calling the Norway Chess title a remarkable milestone that will boost his confidence for future tournaments. Barua emphasized that the rivalry among Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Arjun is pushing each player to improve, ensuring that India remains a powerhouse in the chess world.

“The competition between them is bringing out the best in all three. Sometimes Arjun will win, sometimes Praggnanandhaa, sometimes Gukesh. We are witnessing a golden era for Indian chess,” Barua concluded.

As Praggnanandhaa continues to rise, the chess community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this young talent and Indian chess as a whole.