Arjun Erigaisi Crowns a New Chapter in Indian Chess in Jerusalem

Arjun Erigaisi’s win over Viswanathan Anand at the Jerusalem Masters was more than just a tournament victory; it was a symbolic moment for Indian chess. On one side stood Anand, the five-time world champion and the torchbearer of India’s chess revolution. Opposing him was 22-year-old Arjun Erigaisi, a rising star shaped by the very movement Anand helped create. When the two met in the final, it felt like a meeting of eras: experience versus youth, legacy versus ambition, and teacher versus student.A Festival of Chess in JerusalemThe Jerusalem Masters formed the knockout finale of the Jerusalem Chess Festival, bringing together the top four players from the round-robin stage. Peter Svidler, who dominated the preliminary rounds with 8/11, entered as the favourite. Ian Nepomniachtchi, the reigning World Blitz Champion, joined him alongside Anand and Arjun—three generations of elite chess players in one arena. With rapid games (15+5), blitz (3+2), and Armageddon if needed, the format promised fireworks. And it delivered.An All-Indian Final: A Meeting of ErasThe final between Arjun and Anand carried emotional weight for Indian chess fans. Anand is not only a former world champion but also the inspiration behind India’s chess boom. Arjun, part of the new generation of prodigies, grew up studying Anand’s games. The rapid games reflected a tense battle of ideas. In the first game, both players missed winning chances Arjun in the middlegame, Anand in the endgame. The second rapid game was more solid, ending in a controlled draw. Neither side wanted to give away an inch. With the rapid section tied 1–1, the championship moved to the blitz tiebreak. Arjun struck decisively in the first blitz game. Playing with the white pieces, he built pressure move by move, eventually converting his advantage into a clinical win. Suddenly, Anand was on the back foot. In the second blitz game, Arjun reached a favourable, queenless position with rooks and minor pieces on both sides. Instead of pushing for a risky win, he made a practical decision, forcing a draw. That half-point was all he needed. Final Score  Arjun Erigaisi 2.5 – 1.5 Viswanathan Anand. At 22, Arjun had beaten one of the greatest chess players in history to win the Jerusalem Masters title and take home USD 55,000 in prize money.A Story Behind the MovesBeyond moves and results, this victory carries a deeply human dimension. Arjun represents the dreams of thousands of young Indian chess players who grew up in Anand’s era. His win is not a break from that legacy but a continuation of it. To defeat your own idol on an international stage requires not just skill but emotional maturity. Arjun respected Anand, yet competed fearlessly. Anand, ever gracious, fought hard and accepted defeat with dignity, showing why he remains a hero to generations. In that moment, two journeys met: a giant who built the road and a young player now ready to walk ahead on it.A Tournament of Skill, Nerves, and LegacyThe Jerusalem Masters was a true test of chess skill and psychological strength. The mix of rapid, blitz, and knockout pressure created an arena where experience and youth had equal chances. For Anand, it was another masterclass in consistency. For Svidler and Nepomniachtchi, it was a journey of hard-fought battles. But for Arjun Erigaisi, this tournament will forever mark a turning point, a moment when he stepped from promise into proof. Indian chess has seen many rising stars, but Arjun’s win over a legend like Anand signals something bigger. A new generation is not just arriving; it is ready to lead.

The Chess Maestro: Praggnanandhaa's Thrilling Victory at Superbet Chess Classic Romania

In a nail-biting finish that will be etched in the memories of chess enthusiasts for a long time, 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu emerged victorious at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, claiming his maiden Grand Chess Tour title. This incredible victory is more than just a win for Praggnanandhaa — it’s a reflection of his steady focus, relentless effort, and sheer brilliance on the board. It firmly places him among the brightest young stars in the global chess arena.The Superbet Chess Classic Romania, held in Bucharest  brought together ten elite grandmasters who battled it out for the coveted title. The tournament was a masterclass in strategic brilliance, with Praggnanandhaa checkmating  his opponents at every turn. After a crucial win against Wesley So in the penultimate round, Praggnanandhaa took the lead, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.The Superbet Chess Classic RomaniaThe Superbet Chess Classic Romania is a prestigious chess tournament that brings together the world's top players in a battle of wits and strategy. Held in the grand Hotel Bucharest, Romania, this event is part of the Grand Chess Tour. The tournament follows a 10-player round-robin format with 9 rounds, where each player faces every other participant once. The time control is set at 90 minutes for 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, plus a 30-second increment starting on move one.The Superbet Chess Classic Romania has become a highlight of the chess calendar, showcasing the intellectual and competitive prowess of the world's best players. With a prize fund of $350,000, the tournament attracts a strong field of participants, including World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Fabiano Caruana, and Levon Aronian. The Final Round: A Three-Way Tie for GloryIn the final round, Praggnanandhaa secured a solid draw against Levon Aronian, guaranteeing at least a share of first place. However, the drama was far from over. Two other players, Alireza Firouzja and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, were still in contention for the title. Firouzja took a bold approach against Bogdan-Daniel Deac, and his persistence paid off when Deac blundered on move 52, handing Firouzja a crucial win. Meanwhile, Vachier-Lagrave capitalized on a misstep by Jan-Krzysztof Duda, joining Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa in a three-way tie for first . The stage was set for a thrilling playoff to determine the champion. The three players would compete in a single round-robin format with a 5-minute + 2-second increment time control. The tension was palpable as the players clashed in a battle of wits. The first game between Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa ended in a draw, while Vachier-Lagrave and Firouzja split a point in their game.The Decisive MomentThe third game between Praggnanandhaa and Vachier-Lagrave proved to be the turning point. In an endgame with a pair of rooks and queens, Vachier-Lagrave missed a chance to trade the rooks, likely leading to a draw. However, just three moves later, he committed a decisive mistake, allowing Praggnanandhaa to seize the opportunity and clinch the win. This moment marked the culmination of Praggnanandhaa's remarkable journey to the title . Praggnanandhaa's victory is a proof to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. At just 19 years old, he has already secured his second major title of the year, further consolidating his top position in the FIDE Circuit 2025.The Game of KingsChess is a game that requires strategic brilliance, focus, and mental endurance. It's a game that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together in a shared passion for the sport. Praggnanandhaa's victory is a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a bit of creativity, anything is possible.As Viswanathan Anand, the legendary Indian chess grandmaster, noted, "Congratulations to Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Great show of nerves in the blitz. A very impressive performance" , Praggnanandhaa's win is a shining example of what can be achieved with talent, dedication, and a winning mindset.