What looked like an uphill battle turned into a historic triumph for R Praggnanandhaa. The Indian Grandmaster pulled off a spectacular comeback against American star Fabiano Caruana in the Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis, overturning a six-point deficit to win the title 15-13 on Thursday.

With the victory, Praggnanandhaa etched his name into Indian chess history as the first Indian player to win the Grand Chess Tour.

The landmark victory also came with a $200,000 first prize, making it the biggest title of the young grandmaster’s career.

Two Rapid Wins Change Everything

Caruana had entered the final day with a commanding six-point lead after the classical games. But Praggnanandhaa refused to let the deficit define the contest.

The Indian came out blazing in the rapid section, winning both games against Caruana. Suddenly, the six-point gap had disappeared and the momentum had swung dramatically in Praggnanandhaa’s favour. But the toughest test was still ahead.

Nerves of Steel in Blitz

The title would be decided in a four-game blitz phase, where every second mattered.

The opening blitz game provided a major scare. Praggnanandhaa had winning chances but faltered during a tense time scramble, allowing Caruana’s position to improve. Yet the American could not find the decisive continuation, and the game ended in a draw.

Praggnanandhaa kept his composure through the remaining blitz games, protecting his advantage and finally completing one of the most remarkable comebacks of his career.

Final score: Praggnanandhaa 15, Caruana 13.

A Landmark Moment for Indian Chess

Praggnanandhaa’s triumph is more than another trophy for his growing collection. It marks a new milestone for Indian chess on one of the sport’s biggest stages. From staring at a six-point disadvantage to lifting the Grand Chess Tour trophy, the young Indian demonstrated extraordinary resilience, precision and mental strength when the pressure was at its highest.

Meanwhile, Wesley So secured third place after overpowering Vincent Keymer 18-12, winning all four of their blitz games.

For Praggnanandhaa, what began as a daunting six-point chase ended with him holding the trophy—and India celebrating a landmark chess triumph.