R Praggnanandhaa Tops National Chess Rankings, Achieves World No. 4 Spot After Defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov At UzChess Cup Masters

UzChess Cup Masters 2025: R Praggnanandhaa has become a roaring sensation for India in chess. The 19-year-old clinched the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 title after defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Pragg's win has altered the rankings, positioning him in the top five spots among greats like Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana and World Champion D Gukesh.

R Praggnanandhaa Stamps His Authority At UzChess Cup Masters 2025

It is the beginning of a new era in chess as India gradually takes over with flair. Talented grandmasters have been representing the country on the global stage and have excelled over other dominant countries in the past. Viswanathan Anand has held the mantle for several years. But now, stars like Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Tania Sachdev, R Praggnandhaa, R Vaishali, Koneru Humpy and many more have shined in big stages and held the national flag with pride. 19-year-old Praggnanandhaa has also put India on the map with a clinical finish and winning the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 title.

Praggnanandhaa defeated Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final round of the UzChess Masters 2025. Pragg showcased clinical brilliance during the playoff, which had a blitz format against Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov. The Indian Grandmaster secured a remarkable win with black pieces.

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Pragg Shakes Up World Rankings, Becomes India's Top-Ranked & World No. 4 

R Praggnanandhaa's win at the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 has shaken up the live world rankings as he has also ascended three spots to become the world number four. Pragg is the fourth-ranked chess player for the first time after having 2778.3 in live ratings.

The 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster has also dethroned Arjun Erigaisi to become India's new top-ranked chess player. He also stands a spot above the reigning World Champion D Gukesh, who is ranked at number five. 

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Notably, the 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster has previously held the spot which Erigaisi held on for a while. Praggnanandhaa had clinched the feat in January last year during the Tata Steel Masters held in the Netherlands. This year, Pragg is here to dominate once again.