Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in the annals of chess history with a sensational victory at the Superbet Chess Classic 2025 in Bucharest, Romania. With this win, he clinched his first-ever Grand Chess Tour (GCT) title, joining the ranks of elite global chess players and reaffirming India’s growing dominance in the world of chess.
A Stellar Victory at the Superbet Chess Classic 2025
The Superbet Chess Classic is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the Grand Chess Tour. This year, it featured some of the world’s top players including Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja. After nine grueling rounds of classical play, a three-way tie emerged among Praggnanandhaa, Firouzja, and Vachier-Lagrave.
The playoff, played in blitz format, tested nerves and speed. Praggnanandhaa drew against Firouzja in his first game but won a critical match against Vachier-Lagrave in the final game. His calm under pressure and strategic brilliance secured the championship and a grand prize of $77,667, along with 10 crucial GCT points.
A Year of Breakthrough Performances
The Superbet title is Praggnanandhaa’s second major tournament win in 2025. Earlier, he emerged victorious at the Tata Steel Chess Masters, defeating reigning World Champion D Gukesh in a dramatic playoff. These consecutive titles have catapulted him into the spotlight and established him as a major contender on the global circuit.
Accumulating a total of 18 GCT points so far, Praggnanandhaa is now a front-runner in the Grand Chess Tour leaderboard, with his eyes set on winning the overall tour.
Masterclass in Blitz Strategy
The deciding game against Vachier-Lagrave was a masterclass in endgame technique. In a queen and rook endgame, Vachier-Lagrave made a crucial blunder, allowing Praggnanandhaa to capitalize and win the title.
In a post-match interview, Praggnanandhaa emphasized the importance of rest and preparation before the tie-breakers. “Blitz is always unpredictable. I just stayed focused and waited for my chances,” he said, reflecting his calm and mature mindset.
A Beacon for Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s achievements are not just personal victories; they mark a transformative moment for Indian chess. With role models like Viswanathan Anand paving the way, the new generation, led by talents like Praggnanandhaa, is rising to prominence on the global stage.
His coach, GM Vaibhav Suri, praised his student’s determination and growth, saying, “This is just the beginning. He is poised for greatness.”
What Lies Ahead
With several GCT events still on the calendar, Praggnanandhaa is in a strong position to aim for the overall tour title. His recent performances indicate a consistent upward trajectory, and fans are eager to see how he performs in upcoming events.
More than just a win, this title cements Praggnanandhaa’s legacy as one of the brightest stars in chess today. As he continues to inspire millions with his gameplay, India’s golden era in chess is just getting started.
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