In the high-stakes world of professional chess, where prodigies are plentiful but superstars are rare, 20-year-old Arjun Erigaisi has emerged as India’s latest sensation, rocketing to World No. 3 with a live rating of 2797.2 Elo – a meteoric rise that has left the chess world buzzing.
The young grandmaster’s most recent triumph came at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, where he played a pivotal role in India’s historic victory. Manning the third board, Erigaisi delivered a masterclass in chess dominance, securing nine wins and two draws in eleven rounds. His extraordinary performance rating of 2968 Elo earned him 19.2 rating points and catapulted him past American chess titan Fabiano Caruana in the world rankings.
From Prodigy to Powerhouse: Arjun Erigaisi
Arjun Erigaisi’s chess odyssey reads like a grandmaster’s dream playbook. After earning his International Master title in 2017, he blazed through to Grandmaster status in 2018 at just 14 years old. Even as a FIDE Master, he showed his exceptional potential by claiming the runner-up position in the under-14 category at the 2017 World Youth Chess Championship.
The young maestro’s style has undergone a fascinating evolution. Initially recognized for his positional prowess, Erigaisi has transformed into a universal player, wielding a diverse arsenal of strategies that keep his opponents guessing. His calculating abilities, combined with his adaptability across different positions, have become his trademark.
The Breakthrough of Arjun Erigaisi
2022 marked Erigaisi’s explosive entry into chess’s upper echelons. Starting the year outside the world’s top 100, he engineered a remarkable ascent to super grandmaster status. His domination began at the Tata Steel Challengers tournament, where he scored an impressive 10.5/13 points, claiming victory by a commanding two-point margin.
The momentum continued as he clinched the Indian national championship in March and conquered the 2022 Junior Speed Chess Championship in June, ending Nihal Sarin’s two-year reign. His prowess across different chess formats became evident when he triumphed in two Tata Steel events on different continents.
Perhaps most notably, Arjun Erigaisi caught the attention of world champion Magnus Carlsen, who predicted his inevitable rise to a 2700 Elo rating – a prophecy that would soon be fulfilled. At the Lindores Abbey blitz tournament, Erigaisi demonstrated his tactical brilliance by winning 13 out of 18 games, soaring 107 rating points to secure third place.
The Present and Future
Today, Erigaisi stands as a testament to India’s chess renaissance, ranking fourth among Indian players behind chess legends Viswanathan Anand, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala. His journey from a 2500-rated player to breaking into the world’s top three showcases not just natural talent, but the results of rigorous training and an unwavering dedication to the game.
As the chess world watches this young phenomenon’s continued ascent, one thing becomes clear: Arjun Erigaisi isn’t just playing chess – he’s redefining what’s possible for the next generation of chess prodigies. With his blend of tactical brilliance, strategic depth, and remarkable versatility, Erigaisi represents the future of chess, carrying forward India’s rich legacy in the royal game.
