For the first time in chess history, four Indian grandmasters have simultaneously stormed into the world’s top 10 rankings, marking a seismic shift in the sport’s global power structure. As of June 8, 2025, the elite group features:
- Arjun Erigaisi: World #4 | Rating: 2778.6
- Gukesh Dommaraju: World #5 | Rating: 2776.6
- R Praggnanandhaa: World #6 | Rating: 2774.2
- Aravindh Chithambaram: World #9 | Rating: 2757.8
The Breakthrough Moment
The historic milestone was sealed when Aravindh Chithambaram clinched victory at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial in Jermuk, Armenia. In a dramatic final round, Aravindh edged out his close friend and training partner Praggnanandhaa on tiebreaks, both finishing unbeaten with 6.5 points from nine rounds. This triumph propelled Aravindh into the ninth spot, joining his compatriots who have become regular fixtures among the world’s chess elite.
Rising Stars, Relentless Rivalry
- Arjun Erigaisi continues to lead the Indian contingent, holding the fourth spot globally. His consistent performances have made him a formidable force on the world stage.
- Gukesh Dommaraju, the reigning world champion, narrowly missed out on the Norway Chess title but remains firmly in the top five.
- R Praggnanandhaa, at just 19, not only ranks sixth but also leads the FIDE Circuit standings, positioning himself as a frontrunner for the next Candidates Tournament.
- Aravindh Chithambaram’s recent surge, highlighted by his win in Armenia, underscores the depth of India’s chess talent pool. His journey from outside the top 25 to the world’s top 10 in less than a year is a testament to his rapid progress and resilience.
A Generation Redefining Indian Chess
This unprecedented achievement is more than a statistical milestone—it signals a generational shift. All four grandmasters are in their early twenties or younger, products of a thriving chess ecosystem and modern training methods. Their rise is fueled by fierce domestic competition, world-class coaching, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
What’s Next?
The Indian quartet is set to compete at the upcoming Uzchess Cup in Uzbekistan, where they will face off against other global heavyweights. Their collective presence in the top 10 not only enhances India’s stature in the chess world but also inspires a new generation of players to aim for the very top.
Also Read: Gukesh Dommaraju Stuns Magnus Carlsen in Historic Chess Victory
“It was a good tournament for me, but I still missed this one chance in the second round. I could have probably won the tournament had that result gone my way; now it’ll probably be tied for the first spot.”
– R Praggnanandhaa, reflecting on the close finish at Jermuk
The New Chess Superpower
India’s dominance in the world chess rankings is no longer a distant dream but a present-day reality. With four grandmasters in the top 10, India has firmly established itself as a global chess superpower, ushering in a new era that promises even greater achievements on the horizon.
