Pranav Venkatesh: From Chess Enthusiast to World Junior Chess Champion

Bengaluru Teen Crowned World Junior Chess Champion

Pranav Venkatesh, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, has made India proud by winning the world junior chess championship in Petrovac, Montenegro. Pranav’s journey to the top of the chess world began at a young age when he first encountered the game during a visit to a relative’s house in Chennai.

Inspired by a unique chess set with animal-shaped pieces, Pranav’s interest in the game grew as he watched his father, Venkatesh, teach him the basics of chess. Despite facing financial struggles, Venkatesh supported his son’s passion for chess, taking him to tournaments on his bike and later selling their car to fund Pranav’s training.

With the help of sponsors like Microsense and Chessbase India, Pranav has been able to pursue his dream of becoming a world-class chess player. Training under GM Shyam Sundar at Viswanathan Anand’s Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, Pranav honed his skills and developed a strategic playing style that led to his victory at the world junior championship.

Known for his dynamic and resourceful gameplay, Pranav’s success on the chessboard has earned him recognition and admiration from the chess community. Despite his achievements, Pranav remains humble and focused on his future goals, including crossing the 2700 Elo rating and qualifying for the World Championship cycle.

Off the chessboard, Pranav enjoys playing cricket and looks forward to celebrating his victory with a game on a big field with his fellow chess players. As he embarks on his journey back to India, Pranav’s win serves as a reminder of the power of dedication, hard work, and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams.