Chess in India has its deep history and culture beginning with the ancient game called Chaturanga. Today, the nation has become one of the powerhouses in chess, producing talented players and accomplishing great milestones. This was a game changer as Gelfand and Anand came face to face for the World Chess Champions title, putting India’s talent on the global map. Assam’s wonder girl Koneru Humpy’s legacy got extended with her victory at the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship providing ample support to the nation. This article however brings forth the top 20 Indian chess players who contributed the most towards developing the country’s rich tapestry of chess legacy by their outstanding achievements.
Selection Criteria for chess players
When picking the top 20 Indian chess players, we focus on a few key things:
International Titles: Players who earn titles like Grandmaster (GM) are highly regarded. These titles show that they’ve proven themselves on the world stage.
Elo Ratings: This score shows how strong a player is. A higher Elo means they’ve performed well against tough opponents over time.
Tournament Wins: Winning major tournaments, like world championships, is a big factor. Players who shine in these events make a huge mark in the chess world.
Career Longevity: Players who stay at the top for many years, staying competitive and adapting to the game, get extra recognition.
Contribution to Indian Chess: It’s not just about winning. Players who help promote chess in India, teach younger players, or inspire others also make a big difference in the ranking.
Top 20 Indian Chess Players
1. Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand was born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is nicknamed as ‘Tiger of Madras’, Tanwar is regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history. Anand was the first Indian Grandmaster in 1988, and he peaked at an Elo ranking of 2754. He has been the World Chess Champion five times consecutively in (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012), and won several other qualitative medals such as the FIDE World Chess, the World Rapid Chess Championship (in 2017) and other tournaments of this kind. Today, now that Anand has won different varieties of chess matches, he has become an international chess figure.
What makes Vishwanathan Anand’s game unique?
Anand is also versatile and can change strategies from aggressive to defensive during the course of the match which is what makes him a player with a unique style. Referred to as ‘a universal player’, Anand has won admiration in the world of chess due to his ability to reason along many lines and take calculated risks. The stunning missed opportunities for his generation of Indian players and his active style, expectation and creativity give the look resembling a highly social chap. He contributed to the development of chess in India and increased its fame in the world. Among the significant milestones that mark the career of Anand are the first Indian GrandMaster and an applicant to the Elo 2800 club which have stood as an inspiration in the Indian chess scene encouraging many young participants in the game.
2. Koneru Humpy
Koneru Humpy was born on March 31st, 1987 in Gudivada, Andhra Pradesh, India. She has been rated highly at 2623 peaking at 2623 and is one of the country's top female chess players. At the age of 15, she became the grandmaster and the youngest woman in history to hold this position. Humpy has been able to win numerous distinct crowns including Gold at Cairns Cup in 2020, Silver at the Speed Chess Championship and one at the FIDE online chess Olympiad in 2020. She also managed to get Silver in the Women’s World Blitz Chess Championship in 2022 and the FIDE Women Grand Prix in 2023. Her accolades include the Arjuna Award in 2003, Padma Shri in 2007 and the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year in 2021.
What makes Koneru Humpy’s game unique?
What’s unique in her playing style is her combining tactical strength with aggressive movements. She is quite good at calculating where her pieces should go and the best moves for her opponent's pieces as well. Humpy has been a life changing force in Indian chess as she has motivated many young female players to dominate the boards. Koneru Humpy has given confidence to many young females that they can perform in chess, and become many more aspiring players, in all types of sports. Her success has contributed to an expanding interest towards Indian chess around the world.
3. Dommaraju Gukesh
Dommaraju Gukesh was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He reached a rating point of 2726 in September 2022. Gukesh became the Grandmaster in chess in 2019 at the age of 12 years 7 months and 17 days which made him the youngest player ever to achieve that title. He also got International Master title in the year 2018 and Candidate Master title in the year 2015. Gukesh has also received such awards as the Under-9 title in the Asian School Chess Championships in 2015, and the World Youth Chess Championship Under-12 in 2018. He also won five gold medals in the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships in a number of divisions. Gukesh confirmed his qualification as the youngest grandmaster of India, becoming 2nd youngest in the world at the ages of 12 years, 7 months 17 days.
What makes Dommaraju Gukesh’s game unique?
What stands out in his playing is the Reti Opening and King's Indian Attack when he plays with white pieces. As for the pieces black, he more often applies the Sicilian and Caro-Kann defenses. It is an aggressive but mobile style, changing itself to the requirements of every game played. Gukesh's victories have been a great achievement for Indian chess and are a source of new enthusiasm for younger players. His success in chess at such a young age has triggered a chess revolution in this country. It is now commonplace to find children showing interest in chess rather than just looking at it as a game.
4. Pentala Harikrishna
Pentala Harikrishna was born on May 10, 1986, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. With a peak ELO rating of 2686, he became one of India's most successful chess players. He reached a peak world ranking of 10 in November 2016. Harikrishna earned the title of Grandmaster in 2001 at the age of 15, making him the youngest Indian to do so at the time. He won the Tata Steel Group B tournament in 2012 and the Biel MTO Masters Tournament in 2013. He represented India at seven Chess Olympiads from 2000 to 2012 and won team Bronze at the World Team Chess Championships in 2010. Harikrishna also won team gold at the Asian Team Championships once, team silver twice, and individual bronze once.
What makes Harikrishna Pentala’s game unique?
Harikrishna adapts his approach based on his mood. He said, “It varies. I would say it depends on my mood,” in a recent interview. His flexibility and adaptability on the board make him a formidable opponent in any format. Harikrishna’s achievements have significantly impacted Indian chess, inspiring many young players across the country. His success on the global stage has highlighted India’s growing prominence in the world of chess, encouraging more Indians to take up the sport.
5. Harika Dronavalli
Harika Dronavalli was born on January 12, 1991 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. She holds the title of Grandmaster (GM) and is one of the top players in Indian chess. Harika was crowned World U20 Champion in the year 2008 and captured three bronze medals at the Women’s World Chess Championship in 2012, 2015, and 2017. Harika was also a member of the victorious squad at the 2024 Chess Olympiad and has achievements such as the Arjuna Award in 2008 and Padma Shri in 2019. Harika’s significant performances also include winning the 2015 World Women's Online Blitz Championship and several medals in the Asian Games and World Team Chess Championships.
What makes Harika Dronavalli’s game unique?
Even in chess matches, her style of play is characterized by her great calmness combined with her great tactical skills. Sometimes she can be more aggressive or defensive, depending upon the need. She is a tough competitor due to her great ability to prepare openings as well as endgame. This change of style and these traits have made her an idol for small children players, and has also affected the rise of women’s chess in India. These triumphs of hers serve as an encouragement for many other women chess players and show the increasing strength of India’s participation in world chess.
6. Vidit Gujrathi
Vidit Gujrathi, born on 24 October 1994 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is an Indian chess Grandmaster. He earned the title in 2013, becoming the 30th Indian GM, and achieved a peak rating of 2700 Elo, making him the youngest Indian to do so. Vidit won the U14 World Chess Championship in 2008, a bronze at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2013, and is a double gold medalist at the Chess Olympiad and a silver medalist at the Asian Games. In 2020, he led India to victory in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad.
What makes Vidit Gujrath’s game unique?
What makes Vidit’s playing style unique is his strong opening preparation and solid, patient approach. Rather than relying on aggressive tactics, he focuses on building long-term advantages and capitalizing on small weaknesses. His deep opening knowledge helps him gain early advantages, and his calm, methodical style under pressure has earned him respect. Vidit's playing style has greatly impacted Indian chess, inspiring a new generation of players. His consistency and success continue to boost India’s standing in global chess.
7. Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa was born on 10 August 2005 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu and he is an Indian chess Grandmaster. Currently, he is ranked the 12th best chess player around the globe according to FIDE as of 2nd September 2024. Praggnanandhaa has even been placed as high as 8th in the world rankings. He triumphed in the World Youth Chess Championship Under-8 in the year 2013 and the Under-10 championship in 2015. Further, he earned this prestigious title of being the youngest International Master Title in 2016 when he was just 10 years 10 months old. He got a taste of success in the 2017 World Junior Chess Championship where he made his first Grandmaster norm. Other than this, in the year 2022, he was awarded the Arjuna Award.
What makes Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa’s game unique?
He possesses a pragg-matic mindset when he plays and his playing style is what makes him stand out from his competitors. Due to his ability to remain calm and have self-control, he performs best under immense pressure. He is an outlier due to his ability to make strong moves as well as to defeat the opponents using tactics in challenging moments. He has become the face of chess in India because of his traditional development style mixed with aggressive moves, motivating kids to grow and excel in the field.
8. Nihal Sarin
Nihal Sarin, born on 13 July 2004 in Thrissur, Kerala, is an Indian chess Grandmaster and prodigy. He crossed the 2600 Elo rating at 14, making him the third youngest to do so. Nihal won the World Under-10 title in 2014 and the silver medal in the World Under-12 Championship in 2015. He was part of the gold-winning Indian team in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020 and won the U-18 World Youth Championship in 2020. Nihal became a Grandmaster in 2018 with a peak rating of 2698 (March 2024) and a peak ranking of No. 38 (March 2024). He was awarded the 'National Child Award For Exceptional Achievement' in 2016.
What makes Nihal Sarin’s game unique?
His calm and positional approach makes his game and style unique. Grandmaster P. Harikrishna said, "He is a good positional player. He knows where to put the pieces, and that saves a lot of time. So he doesn’t have to calculate after every move.” Harikrishna also mentioned Nihal’s skill in bullet chess, describing him as "tricky." Nihal’s ability to outmaneuver opponents with minimal calculation and his quick thinking in fast-paced games have made him a standout player. His style and success have had a significant impact on Indian chess, inspiring young players and increasing India’s global presence in the sport.
9. Argun Erigaisi
Argun Erigaisi is an Indian Chess Grandmaster, who was born on the 3rd of September in 2003 in Warangal in Telangana. Until the end of the year 2024, his highest ranking will be reaching the total of 2801 as a peak chess rating, which puts him in number four in the overall chess rankings around the globe. In the month of October in the year 2024, he placed the third follicle in his level of rank. Among others, Arjun won the Menorca Open A (April 2024) as well as the Stepan Avagyan Memorial (June 2024) competition and the London WR Chess Masters Cup in October 2024. He was very much influential for the India men’s team as they made history by winning gold medal in Chess Olympiad 2024, where Arjun anchored the team to win the individual medal with a performance of 2938 rating points which is equivalent to bronze. Arjun has also made excellent wins at the Tata Steel Chess Challengers tournament (2022), Indian National Chess tournament (2022) as well as at the Abu Dhabi International Chess festival (2022).
What makes Argun Erigaisi’s game unique?
When it comes to Arjun Erigaisi playing style he is always confident and formulated incorporating individual strategies. A time or two arguers' hardship and pain add his style volatility to a level that makes him aggressive. His ability to stay calm under pressure, combined with his sharp calculation skills, makes him a difficult opponent. Arjun's disciplined approach and consistent performances have earned him a reputation for being one of the most reliable young talents in chess. His rise to the top has had a significant impact on Indian chess, inspiring the next generation of players and further solidifying India’s position as a powerhouse in global chess.
10. S.P. Sethuraman
Sethuraman Panayappan Sethuraman, born on 25 February 1993 in Madras, Tamil Nadu, is a distinguished Indian Grandmaster, earning the title in 2011. He achieved a peak rating of 2673 and peak ranking of No. 69 in September 2018. Among his key achievements are winning the Asian U-12 Championship in 2004, the World U-16 Championship in 2009, and the Indian National Premier Championship in 2014. He also claimed a team bronze at the 41st Chess Olympiad in 2014 and won the Asian Chess Championship in 2016. As of December 2024, his FIDE rating stands at 2586.
What Makes Sethuraman’s Playing Style Unique?
Sethuraman’s style combines meticulous opening preparation and sharp calculation, honed during the computer-assisted training era. His calm, strategic play and ability to exploit tactical opportunities make him a formidable opponent. By consistently excelling, Sethuraman has inspired many aspiring players and contributed significantly to elevating Indian chess on the global stage.
11. B. Adhiban
Adhiban Baskaran, born on 15 August 1992 in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, is an Indian Grandmaster who achieved the title in 2010. With a peak rating of 2701 in April 2019 and a career-high ranking of World No. 38 the same year, Adhiban is among India’s top chess players. His key achievements include winning the World Under-16 Championship in 2008, the Indian Championship in 2009, and prestigious tournaments like the 2013 Sants Open (Barcelona) and the 2018 Reykjavik Open. Adhiban was instrumental in securing bronze medals for India at the 2014 Chess Olympiad in Tromsø and the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai.
What Makes Adhiban’s Playing Style Unique?
Adhiban is celebrated for his fearless and creative playing style. His games often feature sharp tactics and bold decisions, making him a formidable opponent in high-pressure situations. Despite challenges, his ability to bounce back with resilience and determination sets him apart. Adhiban’s adventurous approach has inspired young players in India, encouraging them to embrace boldness and originality in their games. His consistent contributions to team events and his dynamic style have significantly elevated India's stature in global chess.
12. K. Sasikiran
Krishnan Sasikiran, a Tamil Nadu native who turned 42 on January 7, 1981, is a well-known Indian Grandmaster who earned his title in 2000. Sasikiran recorded a world ranking of 2720 on the FIDE rating system in May 2012 and was ranked 21st in the world in April 2006, both of which are highlights of his career. Some of his remarkable achievements include winning the Indian Chess Championship in 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2013, the Asian Junior Chess Championship in 1999, and a team gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games. Sasikiran also came out first in a number of prominent competitions, including the Hastings International Chess Tournament in 2001 and the City of Pamplona tournament in 2008.
What Makes K. Sasikiran’s Playing Style Unique?
The adoption of deep opening preparations, high positional strength, and distinct tactical perspectives defines his solid and strategic playing style. He is also great at endgame techniques and can convert slight advantages in his favor. He consistently exhibits endurance in nervous situations and those that present a variety of playing styles. Sasikiran has greatly influenced Indian Chess and popularized the game among the future chess players.
13. Ramachandran Ramesh
Ramachandran Ramesh, born on 20 April 1976 in Chennai, India, is a prominent chess Grandmaster (GM). He earned the GM title in 2003 and achieved a peak FIDE rating of 2507 in April 2006. With a current rating of 2472 (December 2024), Ramesh’s career highlights include winning the British Chess Championship in 2002 and the Commonwealth Chess Championship in 2007. His remarkable commentary during the 2013 World Chess Championship between Anand and Carlsen earned him global recognition. In 2023, he was honored with the prestigious Dronacharya Award for his extraordinary contributions to chess coaching.
What Makes Ramesh’s Playing Style Unique?
Ramesh’s playing style is celebrated for its deep strategic planning and flawless endgame execution. He thrives on creating solid positional advantages while remaining alert for tactical opportunities. His ability to adapt his approach makes him a versatile player. Beyond his individual achievements, Ramesh has transformed Indian chess through his coaching. As a mentor, he has trained over 10 Grandmasters, including Praggnanandhaa. His work with the Indian Olympiad team from 2012 to 2018 brought global success to Indian players. His influence has shaped a generation of champions, solidifying India’s place in the chess world.
14. Surya Sekhar Ganguly
Surya Shekhar Ganguly, born on 24 February 1983 in Kolkata, India, is a renowned Indian chess Grandmaster. He became an International Master at 16 and earned his Grandmaster title at 19 in 2003. With a peak FIDE rating of 2676 in July 2016 and a career-high ranking of World No. 55 in March 2010, Ganguly has been a consistent force in chess. He won six consecutive National Championships from 2003 to 2008 and claimed the Asian Championship in 2009. Over his career, he has won 40 individual gold medals and many team accolades in both national and international tournaments. Ganguly was part of the team that helped Viswanathan Anand win the World Chess Championship in 2008, 2010, and 2012. His achievements have earned him several awards, including the Arjuna Award in 2005 and Bangabhusan in 2015. In 2024, his inspiring journey became the subject of the film Dabaru, directed by Pathikrit Basu.
What Makes Ganguly’s Playing Style Unique?
Ganguly’s playing style combines strategic brilliance with sharp tactical awareness, making him a versatile and formidable player. His ability to handle complex positions and deliver under pressure has set him apart on the global stage. Besides excelling as a player, Ganguly has contributed to shaping India’s reputation as a chess superpower. His mentorship and insights have benefited both teams and individual players, fostering a culture of excellence in Indian chess. His leadership and dedication continue to inspire emerging talents, ensuring that his influence will be felt for years to come.
15. Vaibhav Suri
Vaibhav Suri, born on 8 February 1997 in New Delhi, India, is a chess Grandmaster who earned the title in 2012 at just 15 years old, becoming one of India's youngest Grandmasters. With a peak FIDE rating of 2610 (October 2022), he has achieved remarkable success, including a bronze medal at the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, victory in the 2018 Biel Chess Festival, and runner-up in the 2017 Commonwealth Championship. Suri also showcased his rapid skills by winning the ChessBase India online blitz tournament in 2017, outclassing 15 Indian Grandmasters.
What Makes Suri’s Playing Style Unique?
Vaibhav Suri’s style is defined by deep calculation, sharp tactics, and strategic precision, making him a formidable opponent. His adaptability and quick thinking in rapid formats highlight his versatility. Beyond his achievements, Suri inspires young Indian players, proving that dedication leads to success. His journey has elevated India’s global chess reputation and strengthened its chess culture.
16. Ashwin Jayaram
Ashwin Jayaram, born on August 14, 1990, in Aluva, India, is an Indian Grandmaster (GM) who achieved the title in 2015. He earned his three GM norms between 2007 and 2009, winning the Asian Junior Chess Championship twice. In 2014, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and in 2015, he surpassed the 2500 rating mark, securing his GM title. As of December 2024, Ashwin holds a FIDE rating of 2471, with a peak rating of 2515 in September 2015.
What Makes Ashwin Jayaram Playing Style Unique?
Ashwin Jayaram is known for his calm and calculated approach to the game. He focuses on deep strategic planning and positional understanding. His style is often characterized by precision in the middle game and a preference for solid openings. Ashwin’s impact on Indian chess is significant, inspiring young players with his disciplined training methods. His consistent performances in international tournaments have helped raise India's chess profile on the global stage. His success highlights the importance of hard work and dedication in chess.
17. Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh, born on December 9, 2005, is an Indian chess player who holds the titles of Woman Grandmaster and International Master. As of December 2024, she has a FIDE rating of 2490 and a peak rating of 2501. Divya is a three-time gold medalist at the Chess Olympiad and has won multiple gold medals in the Asian Championship, World Junior Championship, and World Youth Championship. In 2021, she became India’s 21st Woman Grandmaster. She won the 2022 Women’s Indian Chess Championship and earned an individual bronze medal at the 2022 Chess Olympiad. In 2024, she clinched both team and individual gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad.
What Makes Divya Deshmukh's Playing Style Stand Out?
Divya is known for her bold opening strategies and sharp tactical play. She often takes risks in the opening, aiming for dynamic positions that give her an edge. Her ability to calculate deeply and find tactical shots in complex positions sets her apart. Her success at various international tournaments shows her growing impact on the global chess scene. Divya's achievements have inspired a new generation of chess players, especially in India.
18. Aravindh Chithambaram
Aravindh Chithambaram Veerappan, born on September 11, 1999, is an Indian chess Grandmaster. He earned his GM title in 2015 and has a peak FIDE rating of 2718 as of December 2024, with a current ranking of No. 26. Aravindh has won the Indian Chess Championship twice, in 2018 and 2019. He also became the youngest to win the Indian U19 Chess Championship at age 12. Aravindh’s first major win came in 2013 at the Chennai Grandmaster International Open, where he scored 9/11 and earned his first GM norm. He continued to achieve success, winning the Chennai Grand Masters tournament in 2024.
What Makes Aravindh Chithambaram Veerappan's Playing Style Unique?
Aravindh’s style is known for its deep calculation and tactical brilliance. He excels in complex, sharp positions, often outplaying opponents with his precise analysis. His understanding of the game’s strategic depth sets him apart. Aravindh’s success has made him an inspiration for many young chess players in India. His achievements continue to raise India’s profile in international chess.
19. Tania Sachdev
Tania Sachdev, born on August 20, 1986, in Delhi, India, is a celebrated chess player. She holds the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She earned her WGM title in 2005 and became an IM in 2008. Her peak FIDE rating of 2443 came in September 2013. Tania is a two-time Indian Women’s Chess Champion, winning in 2006 and 2007. She also won the Asian Women’s Chess Championship in 2007. Tania has three Commonwealth Women’s Chess Champion titles from 2016, 2018, and 2019. In 2024, she helped India win its first gold medal at the Chess Olympiad. Her achievements include the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2009 and multiple medals in team and individual events.
What Makes Tania Sachdev's Playing Style Unique?
Tania Sachdev’s style is bold and tactical, often creating dynamic and challenging positions for her opponents. She excels under pressure, finding creative moves in critical moments. Her energy and focus during games make her a tough competitor. Beyond playing, she connects with fans as a presenter and commentator. Her achievements inspire young players, especially women, encouraging them to pursue chess professionally. Tania’s contributions have helped grow India’s presence in the global chess community
20. Vantika Agrawal
Vantika Agrawal, born on September 28, 2002, is a rising star in Indian chess. She holds the titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and International Master (IM). Vantika became a WGM in 2021 and achieved the IM title in 2023. Her peak FIDE rating of 2435 came in September 2023. She has won three Chess Olympiad gold medals, including individual gold on Board 4 in 2024. Vantika also earned a silver medal at the Asian Games in 2022 and has excelled in World Youth, Commonwealth, and Asian tournaments. Her accomplishments include winning the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad in 2020 and multiple National Championships.
What Makes Vantika Agrawal's Playing Style Unique?
Vantika Agrawal’s style is aggressive and resourceful, often focusing on creating imbalances to outplay her opponents. She thrives in complex positions, using sharp tactics to turn games in her favor. Her adaptability allows her to handle different formats, from classical to rapid chess, with ease. Vantika’s consistent success has inspired young chess players across India, especially girls aspiring to take up the sport. Her achievements on the global stage have further solidified India’s reputation as a chess powerhouse.
Key Takeaways
1. Viswanathan Anand's legacy as the pioneer of Indian chess laid the foundation for the sport's growth in the country, inspiring countless players.
2. Koneru Humpy and Dronavalli Harika elevated women's chess in India with their global successes, proving that Indian women can excel on the world stage.
3. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Nihal Sarin, and D. Gukesh represent India's bright chess future, with their early achievements showing the country's emerging dominance in the sport.
4. Vidit Santosh Gujrathi and Pentala Harikrishna have consistently performed at elite levels, ensuring India remains a key contender in international tournaments.
5. Tania Sachdev and Divya Deshmukh have inspired more women to take up chess, encouraging gender equality within the sport in India.
6. Adhiban Baskaran and Vantika Agrawal's innovative playing styles have added new dimensions to Indian chess, pushing the boundaries of traditional strategies.
7. The contributions of legends like Krishnan Sasikiran and Surya Sekhar Ganguly showcase India's depth in talent and experience in international chess.
8. Players such as Dronavalli Harika and Arivindh Chithambaram continue to be an inspiration, blending perseverance with success.
9. The impact of these players has not only elevated Indian chess globally but also increased interest in the sport, leading to more tournaments, sponsorships, and grassroots initiatives.
10. Aspiring players are encouraged by these achievements, with the players' journeys proving that dedication, innovation, and resilience are key to success in chess and beyond.
