Top 10 Most Famous Chess Players of India

Did you know that many historians out there think and strongly believe that chess actually originated in India? That seems to be kinda true looking at how brilliant of chess players we have right here in the country. Like, many of the chess masters have achieved super-high FIDE ratings from India that they represent India really well on an international stage. And if you have just started to get a little intrigued and interested in the game of chess, then you should definitely know about some of the most famous chess players in India. So come with us as we explore this list of the top 10 famous chess players in India. Alright, here we go now.

1. Arjun Erigaisi

At the young age of 20, Arjun Erigaisi has already made a name for himself among the most famous and talented chess players in India. But how is that possible for such a young boy to do? Well, just so you know, in 2024, with a jaw-dropping FIDE rating of 2797, he outdid the legends like Viswanathan Anand. All in all, with his bold playing style, Arjun managed to win the prestigious Tata Steel Chess India tournament and became a part of the elite chess community permanently.

2. Gukesh D

Gukesh D hails from Tamil Nadu and he is changing history as we speak. Like, in 2024, Gukesh at the very young age of 18 years broke the record of being the youngest Indian to surpass the 2700 rating barrier with a FIDE score of 2794, can you even believe that? Sure, by showcasing his aggressive and cutting-edge style of play, he has proven to be a dangerous competitor on the world stage. All in all, Gukesh played a vital role in India’s victory in the 2024 Chess Olympiad, and his determination continues to open new horizons as he aims to be the dominant face for chess that represents India on an international stage.

3. Viswanathan Anand

No list of Indian chess players is truly complete without mentioning the iconic Viswanathan Anand, but why’s that though? Well, just so you know, Anand was the first Grandmaster of India in 1988, and he continues to be in the game with the highest FIDE rating of 2751 in 2024. Although Anand is now in his 50s, the impact he has made on Indian chess cannot be surpassed; he is one of the reasons why Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are now playing. His five-time World Chess Champion title alone is proof of his creativity and he is still remembered today as a strategic player.

4. R Praggnanandhaa

R Praggnanandhaa is someone who recently got super famous in the chess scene, not just here in India, but internationally, and why’s that the case? Well, he is the one to defeat World Champion Magnus Carlsen, can you even imagine that? By 2024, he had attained a FIDE rating of 2746 and was one of India’s most promising chess masters. You know, he plays an unruly, quite aggressive game yet stays cool and focused the whole time; he is the youngest person ever to become a Grandmaster (at 12 years).

5. Vidit Gujrathi

Somebody like Maharashtra’s Vidit Gujrathi is famous for his far-reaching calm and analytical screening of the game, you know? And sure, the FIDE rating of 2726 in 2024, credited to him, has built a guarantee for Vidit to be not a classic side hero but a champion of many games on the world stage. Those who have seen Vidit carrying the colors of India in international tournaments as well as in the 2024 Chess Olympiad will agree he sure is a brilliant chess player who deserves even more recognition.

6. Pentala Harikrishna

Pentala Harikrishna is another name we must include in this list because he also has a huge impact on the chess scene of the country. How? Well, the FIDE rating of 2688 he achieved in 2024, the simplicity of his strategy combined with His ability to remain cool-headed have kept him in the chess spectrum for a long time. The power of his experience and regular plays allows him to match stronger rivals, proving that age is no issue when one comes to playing chess.

7. Nihal Sarin

Next on the list, Nihal Sarin is one of those young Indian chess players, certainly continuing to create a strong impression on the global chess forum. In our opinion though, being known for his strategic sharp eye and rapid chess moves, Nihal secured a FIDE rating that amounted to 2668 in 2024. His results in both classical chess and rapid chess must have made him one of the A-listers of chess.

8. Koneru Humpy

Humpy Koneru is more like a pathfinder for Indian women’s chess, and why do we say that? Well, she not only has a FIDE rating of 2530 but she was also the youngest female who achieved the Grandmaster title when she was only 15 years old. Being a previous winner of a multiplicity of international awards including the Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship in 2019, aided her in gaining a place on the world chess map, and that’s from where she got super famous.

9. Harika Dronavalli

Harika Dronavalli, a crucial player in Indian women’s chess, has a clear leading position on the world chess map, but why though? Well, with a 2502 Elo rating according to FIDE, she was behind the Indian team’s possession of a Gold medal in an Olympiad in days such as the Dresden 2008 or the Turkish 2010. All in all, professional and competent, she has been the most stable force, therefore, the great image of India in the world of women’s chess has been created by her acts and matches she has played.

10. Vaishali Rameshbabu

Vaishali Rameshbabu, the sister of Pragnanandhaa, is also in the process of giving a powerful signal in the Indian chess world. The FIDE rating of 2498 shows that Yaishali was already playing chess at the highest level while she was still a kid. She is an example of wonderful progress and a performer at tournaments of the highest stakes, which means she is the one who will bring about a new era in the chess world and also, specifically, in women’s chess.

Conclusion

Alright, as per the FIDE rankings and overall popularity, these are by far the most famous chess players from India right now. If you closely follow chess on an international stage, you may already know how popular these chess players really are and how good they are at it too, right?