Leaders, Chess Legends Hail Praggnanandhaa’s Historic Grand Chess Tour Triumph

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has received widespread praise from political leaders, fellow players and the global chess fraternity after creating history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Grand Chess Tour (GCT) title.

The young Grandmaster produced a remarkable comeback in the Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis, defeating American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana 15-13 to secure one of the biggest victories of his career and the $200,000 first prize.

Praggnanandhaa faced a daunting challenge after trailing 3-9 following the two classical games. However, he mounted a stunning fightback by winning the first two rapid games 4-0, moving into an 11-9 lead. After the first blitz game ended in a draw and Caruana won the next to level the contest, the Indian Grandmaster regained the advantage before drawing the final game to complete a memorable 15-13 triumph.

Russian chess legend and former world champion Garry Kasparov joined the celebrations, congratulating Praggnanandhaa on social media. Fellow Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi praised the youngster's evolution, saying he had noticed Praggnanandhaa changing his style over the past two years and that the results of those changes were now clearly visible.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan hailed the achievement as a testament to Praggnanandhaa’s talent, determination, composure and relentless pursuit of excellence, saying it reflected the growing stature of Indian chess on the world stage.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay also congratulated the Chennai-based Grandmaster, describing the title as recognition of his “extraordinary talent and unwavering perseverance”. He said the historic victory would inspire the younger generation and bring immense pride to Tamil Nadu and India.

The achievement has also drawn widespread recognition across international chess circles, with major chess platforms and media outlets highlighting Praggnanandhaa’s extraordinary comeback and the significance of becoming the first Indian to capture the coveted title.

The GCT Finals, held from August 22 to 27, featured Praggnanandhaa, Caruana, Wesley So and Vincent Keymer. Praggnanandhaa had qualified for the season-ending event after a strong campaign, including victory at the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz event and a joint top finish at the Sinquefield Cup.

With his latest triumph, Praggnanandhaa has added another historic chapter to the remarkable rise of Indian chess on the global stage.