Much like his idol, javelin ace Neeraj Chopra, Rameshbabu “Pragg” Praggnanandhaa has mastered consistency and precision—not in the field, but on the 64 squares. “He finishes first or second in all major events. That’s some consistency,” says Praggnanandhaa of Chopra’s remarkable record—a compliment befitting his own meteoric rise through the world of chess. Forbes India
At just 19, the Chennai prodigy—now World No. 4 and India’s top-rated player—has extended his dominance across all formats. In July’s Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Las Vegas, he twice outmaneuvered World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen within three days, delivering back-to-back upsets that reverberated through the chess world.Forbes IndiaThe Indian ExpressThe Economic TimesThe Times of India
In one breakout performance, Pragg dismantled Carlsen in just 39 moves—a stunning display of speed and tactical brilliance that knocked the reigning champion out of title contention. The Times of IndiaIndia TodayThe Indian Express But even champions stumble—Carlsen later regrouped in blitz formats, pushing past Pragg to advance further in the tournament.NDTV SportsChess.com Yet the takeaway is clear: Pragg’s ability to deliver under pressure mirrors the unwavering accuracy of his sporting hero, Neeraj Chopra.
Beyond the Greco–Roman duels of javelin, Praggnanandhaa’s trajectory continues as he eyes the top of the chess world. He is bidding for the world No. 1 ranking and, ultimately, the world championship—a goal he emphatically believes is within reach.
** Why it matters:**
- Pragg’s repeat wins over Carlsen across formats spotlight a potential generational shift in chess hierarchy.
- His admiration for Neeraj Chopra crystallizes his pursuit of excellence—precision, consistency, and resilience.
- As he edges closer to world No. 1, Pragg embodies India’s growing prominence on the global chess stage.
