R Praggnanandhaa added another glittering chapter to Indian chess history, becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title after a remarkable late surge in Oslo. The 20-year-old Grandmaster sealed the crown with a final-round victory over Germany’s Vincent Keymer, completing one of the most memorable comebacks in the tournament’s history.
One of the defining features of his campaign was his dominance over Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa defeated the Norwegian superstar twice in classical chess during the tournament, becoming only the second player after India’s legendary Viswanathan Anand to achieve the feat in a single event. He also became the first player to beat Carlsen twice in classical games in 2026.
Praggnanandhaa’s victories and records is a long list. The youngest world champion and international master at 10 years the second-youngest grandmaster after Karjakin, and the youngest player to defeat a top-10 opponent when he almost bested So in a rapid match in León in 2018, finishing 1.5-2.5. Just before turning 14 the Indian player won a major open in Denmark (8.5/10), followed by victory at the U18 World Championship (9/11). He ended 2019 by crossing the 2600 rating mark – only Wei Yi achieved this faster. Even the pandemic, which cost him a year of play, didn’t hinder his growth.
The chess prodigy was entrusted with the 3rd board for India-2, a team that caused a sensation and nearly claimed first place. At the closing ceremony at 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022, he was awarded two bronze medals – one for his team and one for his individual performance.
References:
https://2700chess.com/players/praggnanandhaa_r?page=2
