Praggnanandhaa Scripts History Becoming First Indian Norway Chess Champion

Oslo : Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has scripted chess history by becoming the first player from his country to lift the prestigious Norway Chess title. The 20-year-old Chennai prodigy completed a sensational turnaround in Oslo, clinching one of the ultimate crowns in elite chess ahead of the world's finest grandmasters.

Praggnanandhaa’s path to the championship -was nothing short of miraculous. Following a turbulent start to the tournament, which included a loss to American GM Wesley So in round six that left him languishing in last place, the young Indian mounted a furious comeback. He went on a devastating four-game classical winning streak, taking down Alireza Firouzja, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, and reigning World Champion D Gukesh in consecutive encounters.

In the final round, Praggnanandhaa faced Germany’s Vincent Keymer, who had been unbeaten in classical play. Playing with the white pieces, the Indian grandmaster launched a clinical attack to win the game on demand. This victory, combined with Wesley So only managing an Armageddon win against Firouzja, allowed Praggnanandhaa to leapfrog to the top of the leaderboards with 18 points, finishing a clear point ahead of the field.

The triumph represents a major milestone for Indian chess, as the title had historically eluded the country's past icons. World Number One Magnus Carlsen praised the young Indian's fierce tenacity, describing him as an "incredible fighter" after Praggnanandhaa defeated the home favorite twice over the course of the super-tournament. With this victory, the young grandmaster crosses back above the elite 2750 ELO rating mark. The historic win has drawn widespread praise across India, solidifying Praggnanandhaa's stature as a leading figure in the sport's global era.