In the dynamic world of competitive chess, where grandmasters rise and fall with remarkable speed, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has just achieved a significant milestone: he is now India`s top-ranked classical chess player. At the tender age of 19, it feels almost peculiar to speak of a “comeback,” yet the narrative of Praggnanandhaa`s 2025 season is precisely that – a resurgence fueled not primarily by radical tactical innovations, but by a profound internal shift.
Late last year, the young prodigy openly expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. Despite his immense talent, something was holding him back. Working closely with his coach and team, the focus wasn`t just on opening theory or endgame technique, but on something more fundamental: his mental approach to the game. The objective became cultivating a relentless desire to fight for victory in every position and to maintain unwavering persistence even when the going got tough.
A Trio of Triumphs
The results of this mental recalibration have been nothing short of spectacular. 2025 has seen Praggnanandhaa claim three prestigious titles: the Tata Steel Chess Masters, the Superbet Chess Classic, and most recently, the UzChess Cup. These victories aren`t just notches on his belt; they are tangible proof of his newfound resilience and fighting spirit on display against elite competition.
His win at the UzChess Cup serves as a prime example. Heading into the final two rounds, he trailed the leader by a considerable margin (1.5 points). Facing his toughest opponents in succession, the prospect of winning the tournament seemed remote. Yet, instead of resigning himself to a lower placing, Praggnanandhaa focused solely on playing strong chess. He defeated Arjun Erigaisi and, aided by favorable results elsewhere, found himself with a chance. Seizing the moment, he then overcame Nodirbek Abdusattorov, forcing a three-way tie-break which he ultimately won.
Tie-Break Tenacity
This pattern of prevailing in high-pressure tie-break situations has become a hallmark of his 2025 performance. Whether it was navigating faster time controls against World Champion Gukesh at Tata Steel or emerging victorious from a complex three-way playoff at the Superbet Classic, Praggnanandhaa has demonstrated a remarkable ability to perform when the stakes are highest. While he modestly attributes some of this success to luck, he emphasizes that being mentally prepared for the fight is the prerequisite. He values the challenging “route” he took to reach these tie-breaks even more than the wins themselves, citing crucial victories with the black pieces against formidable opponents like Fabiano Caruana and Arjun Erigaisi as turning points.
Beyond the Number One Spot
Despite occupying the coveted India No. 1 position and climbing to world No. 4 (a mere point above Gukesh, as he points out), Praggnanandhaa remains grounded. He views these rankings as fluid, capable of changing with just one game, and prefers to concentrate on the quality of his play and his future objectives. His sights are firmly set on qualifying for the 2026 FIDE Candidates tournament, the gateway to challenging for the World Championship. He currently leads the FIDE Circuit standings, offering one potential qualification path, but major events like the FIDE Grand Swiss and World Cup later in the year present direct opportunities he is well-positioned to pursue.
His schedule is fittingly packed for someone on the ascent. With tournaments like the Grand Chess Tour event in Croatia and the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis on the horizon, alongside ventures into Freestyle Chess and even the eSports World Cup (where he`ll rub virtual shoulders with familiar faces), rest appears to be a luxury he won`t be enjoying anytime soon. Yet, even with the allure of competing in Riyadh alongside chess giants, he maintains a pragmatic focus on the immediate challenge: the qualifying rounds.
Ultimately, Praggnanandhaa`s rise back to the top of Indian chess isn`t just a story of rating points and tournament wins. It`s a compelling narrative about the power of mental fortitude and the willingness to confront weaknesses head-on. The lessons learned from the dip in form have forged a stronger, more resilient player, one who is now not just participating but actively fighting for victory in every game. The journey to the Candidates is long, but if his performance this year is any indication, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has found the inner strength required for the challenge ahead.
Tristan Blackwood