Indian chess sensation Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has once again made the country proud by winning the 2nd UzChess Cup Masters held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on June 27, 2025. With this win, his live Elo rating jumped to 2778.3, making him India’s No.1 and the world’s No.4 ranked chess player.
The 19-year-old GM secured the title by defeating local favorite Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final round. The Masters event featured 10 elite players in a single round-robin format over 9 rounds. Praggnanandhaa finished with 5.5 points, sharing the top spot but clinching the title on tie-breaks.
Other top finishers included Javokhir Sindarov and Abdusattorov, also with 5.5 points, while India’s Arjun Erigasi secured the fourth position with 5 points.
This prestigious event carried a total prize pool of USD 121,500, with USD 80,000 reserved for the Masters group. Praggnanandhaa’s triumph not only brings him international acclaim but also solidifies his place among the world’s chess elite.
About Praggnanandhaa
- Became the youngest International Master at 10 years, 10 months in 2016.
- Runner-up at the 2023 Chess World Cup.
- Won team gold for India at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
A Bright Future Ahead
Praggnanandhaa’s consistent performance signals a bright future for Indian chess on the global stage. With legends like Magnus Carlsen (Elo 2839.2) still leading the board, Praggnanandhaa’s meteoric rise adds a new chapter to India’s growing chess legacy.
