In a thrilling turn of events in the Indian chess world, 18-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has surpassed World Champion D Gukesh in the live classical ratings. This marks a major shift in the pecking order of Indian chess, as two of its youngest stars continue to redefine the global stage.
According to live ratings as of June 2025, Praggnanandhaa now stands at 2779.9, just ahead of Gukesh’s 2776.6, making him the highest-rated Indian chess player currently active. Though these numbers are unofficial and constantly updating, they reflect Praggnanandhaa’s explosive form in recent tournaments, including a series of dominant performances at international events.
This shift is more than just a number, it’s a symbolic passing of momentum in India’s next-gen chess rivalry. Gukesh made headlines in 2024 by becoming the youngest-ever World Champion, but Pragg’s quiet consistency and technical brilliance are making a case for a new top dog.
Chess fans in India and worldwide are thrilled by the fierce yet respectful rivalry between these two superstars. With both still in their teens, this could be the beginning of a long-lasting duel that echoes the likes of Carlsen-Anand in terms of impact.