Arjun Erigaisi Nears the Top

Indian chess prodigy Arjun Erigaisi is making waves, closing in on D Gukesh in the FIDE ratings as of April 1, 2025. Known for his aggressive, fearless style, Erigaisi has racked up points in recent tournaments, putting him within reach of the India No. 1 spot. Gukesh, who famously defeated Magnus Carlsen as a teen, has held the top Indian ranking, but the gap is shrinking fast.

Chess analyst Susan Polgar praised Erigaisi, saying, “His ability to calculate complex positions is phenomenal.” With the Candidates Tournament looming later in 2025, both players are in the hunt for a world title shot. Social media is buzzing with fans dubbing it the “Indian chess revolution.” One tweeted, “Erigaisi vs. Gukesh is the rivalry we need!” As these young stars rise, they’re carrying a nation’s hopes on their shoulders.