India’s chess sensation, R Praggnanandhaa, has etched 2025 into the annals of chess history as a year defined by extraordinary resilience and clutch performances. His recent triumph at the 2nd UzChess Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, saw him navigate a high-pressure tiebreak against formidable home favourites, Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov, to seize yet another title.
This latest victory marks an incredible pattern for Praggnanandhaa: it’s the fourth time this year he’s found himself in a classical event tiebreak. What’s truly astounding is his conversion rate, claiming three championship titles and securing a commendable second place in the fourth, showcasing an almost unparalleled ability to perform under intense pressure.
Viswanathan Anand Praises Praggnanandhaa’s Indomitable Spirit
The gravity of Praggnanandhaa’s achievements resonated deeply with five-time world champion, Viswanathan Anand, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to commend the young prodigy. Anand remarked, “Of all his wins this year, this one seemed the least likely with just two rounds to go.” He highlighted Pragg’s pivotal victories against Arjun Erigaisi and Nodirbek Abdussattorov, which forced a three-way tie for first place.
Anand’s praise underscored Pragg’s exceptional character, stating, “In an impressive demonstration of character he won his third tiebreak of the year as well. He is deservedly the new number four in the chess world and the highest rated player in India.” Such an endorsement from a legend speaks volumes about Praggnanandhaa’s rapid ascent and his newfound status as India’s top-ranked chess player.
A Look Back at Praggnanandhaa’s Thrilling 2025 Tiebreak Saga
The story of Praggnanandhaa’s 2025 is largely written in the dramatic theatre of tiebreaks. Each instance has been a testament to his steely nerves and strategic acumen when the stakes are highest.
February: Tata Steel Chess Tournament — A Resounding Start
The year began with a bang at the prestigious Tata Steel Chess event in Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands. In February, Praggnanandhaa clinched the first super-elite tournament of 2025 by overcoming a rising star, D Gukesh, in a nail-biting tiebreak. Gukesh, fresh from being crowned the youngest world champion in history, presented a monumental challenge. Yet, Pragg prevailed in a field that boasted chess titans like Fabiano Caruana, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Anish Giri, Pentala Harikrishna, Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi, and Leon Luke Mendonca, signaling his intent for the year.
May: Superbet Chess Classic Romania — Grand Chess Tour Glory
Praggnanandhaa continued his winning streak in May, securing his second title of the year at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania. This event, a key leg of the elite Grand Chess Tour held in Bucharest, witnessed another dramatic playoff. This time, Pragg outmaneuvered two more seasoned grandmasters, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, in a tightly contested finish. The 10-player lineup was packed with formidable opponents including Gukesh, Fabiano Caruana, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Levon Aronian, Wesley So, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda, further cementing Pragg’s reputation as a consistent top performer.
June: 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial — The Sole Setback
June brought a rare deviation from his winning pattern at the 6th Stepan Avagyan Memorial tournament in Jermuk, Armenia. Here, Praggnanandhaa finished in a commendable second place, conceding the top spot to his long-time friend and training partner, Aravindh Chithambaram. True to the year’s theme, the tournament concluded in a tiebreak after both Pragg and Aravindh, who have honed their skills together since childhood under the tutelage of Coach RB Ramesh, finished the round-robin event with 6.5 points. This particular tiebreak, however, went to Chithambaram, serving as a minor, yet invaluable, learning experience for Pragg.
June: 2nd UzChess Cup — A Victorious Return to Form
The UzChess Cup rounded out Praggnanandhaa’s incredible tiebreak narrative. Facing another elite roster of players, he demonstrated immense fortitude by winning his final two classical games on demand, a feat that forced him into a crucial three-way tiebreak alongside the formidable Nodirbek Abdusattorov and local favorite Javokhir Sindarov. After six intensely rapid games, each lasting just three minutes, Pragg emerged victorious, adding another coveted trophy to his rapidly expanding collection and solidifying his position among the global chess elite.
