In June 2025, the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Toronto had its fair share of surprises. India’s D Gukesh was not serving any viral checkmate, but rather finishing a hard checkmate versus Markus Ragger.
The post-match segment was rather uneventful, consisting of eye contact and no proper handshake, which in fact became the centre of attention.
All corners of social media, including X, Reddit, and Reels, were flooded with memes, edits, and commentary of this peculiar moment.
Apart from the internet buzz, these events went on to prove that there were no longer any intentions but to dominate the chess arena and not participate, which India has always been known for.
FIDE rankings of 2025 only backed that up further. India’s top chess players were no longer the rising stars, but the very best.
Wait, What’s a FIDE Rating?
You’ll see “FIDE Rating” mentioned next to every player. That’s basically a global score, given by FIDE – the International Chess Federation to measure a player’s strength.
Your rating goes up or down based on how you perform in official matches. Beat a higher-rated opponent, and you gain more points.
The rating system is divided roughly like this:
- 1000–1600: Beginners and casual players
- 1600–2000: Club-level players
- 2000–2500: Masters and competitive players
- 2500+: Grandmasters
- 2700+: Super Grandmasters
So when you see someone rated 2779, know that they’re playing among the absolute best on the planet.
There are 3 formats:
- Classical – Long games, usually 90 minutes or more per player. Used in major tournaments like the World Championship.
- Rapid – Medium-paced games, typically 15 to 60 minutes per player.
- Blitz – Fast games, usually 3 to 5 minutes per player, sometimes with a small time increment.
Let’s meet the Top 5 Indian Chess Players in 2025 not just by numbers, but by the unique game they bring to the board, their journey, and yes, even a few viral moments.
1. R. Praggnanandhaa – The New Face of Indian Chess
FIDE Rating: 2779
World Rank: 4
Age: 19
At the top of the list is the one and only R. Praggnanandhaa or “Pragg,” as the chess world fondly calls him. At just 19 years old, he’s not only India’s highest-rated classical player but also ranked 4th in the entire world. Yep, he’s already playing in the same league as Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.
What makes Pragg special? He’s fearless. Whether it’s online blitz matches or the pressure of the World Cup final, this guy plays with the confidence of a seasoned GM and the hunger of a teen who knows he’s just getting started.
And let’s not forget, he became the youngest Indian to reach the finals of the FIDE World Cup in 2023, earning a spot in the 2024 Candidates Tournament. The future? Bright. Very bright.
2. Arjun Erigaisi – The Strategic Powerhouse
FIDE Rating: 2776
World Rank: 5
Age: 21
Close on Pragg’s heels is another young gun, Arjun Erigaisi, rated 2776 and 5th in the world right now. From Telangana to the global stage, Arjun has had a hobby of ascending rating tables with stealthy consistency and killer reflexes.
What makes him stand out? His incisive preparation, profound positional play, and serene head during pressure. Arjun doesn’t require flashy sacrifices to succeed; he simply wears down his opponents move by move. That is chess elegance for you.
Did you know: There’s something called ‘en passant’? If not, you’ll love this quick guide on underrated chess rules.
3. Gukesh D – The Record Breaker
FIDE Rating: 2776
World Rank: 6
Age: 19
Tied in rating with Arjun but slightly lower in world rank, Gukesh Dommaraju or Gukesh D, has already made history several times over.
In 2023, he became the youngest Indian ever to overtake Viswanathan Anand in classical rating, ending a three-decade streak. Just consider that for a second. Anand was number one for almost 37 years!
Gukesh plays aggressive, intuitive chess. He doesn’t mind complications, and his attacking sensibilities are cutting-edge. He also qualified for the 2024 Candidates Tournament, as did Pragg, and remains a strong contender for the world title.
If chess had a “rising star with swagger” award, Gukesh would have already won it twice.
4. Viswanathan Anand – The Living Legend
FIDE Rating: 2743
World Rank: 13
Age: 55
Now we arrive at the man who made all of this possible, Viswanathan Anand, the godfather of Indian chess.
Even in 2025, at the age of 55, Anand is still in India’s top 5, holding a phenomenal 2743 rating. That’s a testament to his longevity, consistency, and absolute love for the game. He’s not just a chess player; he’s a legacy.
Anand was the first Indian to become a Grandmaster, the first to become World Champion, and the first to make every Indian believe that this 64-square sport could be a serious career. He’s also helped shape the current generation, mentoring players like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy.
He may not be chasing titles anymore, but Anand’s presence in the top 15 globally proves that true legends never really fade.
5. Aravindh Chithambaram – The Underdog Who Isn’t
FIDE Rating: 2724
World Rank: 24
Age: 25
Now here’s a name that might not get as much social media hype but absolutely deserves the spotlight- Aravindh Chithambaram.
With a rating of 2724 now, Aravindh sits fourth in India’s classical chess rankings. He’s been around for long enough, grinding out tournaments, accumulating his rating, and remaining consistent. Not all stars get to make headlines, but Aravindh is one of those stars who speaks through his games.
His style is incisive and earthy. And when he’s in good shape, even the world’s best struggle to get through his defences. He also has a reputation for guiding young players, adding to the ecosystem outside of just his own boards.
Suggested Reads: You’d be surprised what 64 squares can do for your brain. Check out this blog to learn about 5 benefits of chess that are anything but boring.
Quick Recap – Top 5 Indian Chess Players (FIDE 2025)
| Name | FIDE Rating | World Rating | Age |
| R Praggnanandhaa | 2779 | 4 | 19 |
| Arjun Erigaisi | 2776 | 5 | 21 |
| Gukesh D | 2776 | 6 | 19 |
| Viswanathan Anand | 2743 | 13 | 25 |
| Aravindh Chithambaram | 2724 | 24 | 55 |
Who Inspires Us the Most?
We’ve seen chess grow from living room boards to livestream battles.
And if we had to name two players who inspire us the most?
Viswanathan Anand – for making chess iconic before it ever went viral.
Gukesh D – for showing the world that India isn’t the “next big thing” in chess… we’re already here.
This list of Top 5 Indian Chess Players isn’t just about medals. It’s about momentum. Four under 25. Better training. Bigger dreams.
Thinking of making your first move?
👉 Find a chess coach near you and start your journey today.
Stay curious. Stay checkmated.
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