Team MGD1, a Pune-based chess management firm, emerged victorious in the 12-round Swiss-format tournament, winning 10 matches, drawing one, and losing one, to finish with 21 points. This impressive performance earned them the top spot, edging out Hexamind Chess Team, which finished with 20 points.

The Team's Brilliance

The Indian squad was a powerful blend of seasoned champions and rising stars, a perfect storm of talent and determination. Leading the charge was the dynamic Arjun Erigaisi, backed by the fierce skills of Harikrishna Pentala, the promising Pranav V, the relentless Leon Luke Mendonca, the energetic Atharvaa Tayade, and the strategic Hariharan Raghavan. Adding firepower from beyond borders, Spanish Grandmaster David Anton Guijarro and Greek International Master Stavroula Tsolakidou brought their world-class expertise, elevating the team to new heights. Every player stepped up, every move counted, and together they forged a path to victory, proving that true strength lies in unity, grit, and unwavering spirit.

Atharvaa Tayade's Perfect Run

Atharvaa P Tayade lit up the tournament with a remarkable display of grit and determination. As the team’s amateur board player, he stormed through the competition with an unbroken winning streak, dominating every match over the intense three-day battle. His flawless run became the backbone of MGD1’s momentum, inspiring teammates and striking fear into opponents. Though the final round brought a tough challenge, Atharvaa’s relentless spirit and fearless play left an unforgettable mark.

The Final Match

The atmosphere was electric as MGD1 stepped onto the battlefield against Malcolm’s Mates in a high-stakes showdown. Every move carried the weight of victory or defeat. The tension peaked when Pranav V faced off against Ivan Šarić in the clash of titans that would decide it all. With nerves of steel, Pranav delivered a masterstroke, clinching the decisive win that sealed MGD1’s claim to the top spot. But the fight was far from over. Arjun Erigaisi and Atharvaa Tayade rose to the occasion, securing critical victories that crushed any hope of a comeback. In that final, pulsating moment, the team’s unbreakable focus turned pressure into triumph, forever etching their names in glory.

Viswanathan Anand's Praise

Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, whose team Freedom took third place with 17 match points, praised the format of the event, saying, "What is commendable is that so many teams composed of fans and club players chose to participate, giving it a slight festival feel."

The Significance of the Win

This victory isn’t just a trophy; it’s a historic breakthrough. Team MGD1 has blazed a trail as the first Indian squad to conquer this tournament in its short but fierce three-year run. Their triumph stands as powerful proof of the unstoppable rise of Indian chess, showcasing a new era fueled by talent, hard work, and unshakable belief. This win sends a clear message to the world: Indian players are not just participants; they’re champions in the making, ready to dominate on the global stage.

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2025

The event, held in London, featured 52 teams from around the world, with over 110 grandmasters participating. The tournament's structure, which allows teams to be composed of club members, members of different federations, or any other chess players, promotes inclusivity and provides opportunities for new talents to shine. 

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2025 has set a new standard for team chess tournaments, and its success is expected to inspire more players and teams to participate in the future. As FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated, “This pivotal event distinguishes itself as the largest team tournament featuring both professional and non-professional players.”