Who is R. Praggnanandhaa?
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, commonly known as Praggnanandhaa, is an Indian chess prodigy and Grandmaster who has taken the global chess world by storm with his extraordinary talent. Born on August 10, 2005, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Praggnanandhaa became one of the youngest Grandmasters in chess history at the age of just 12 years and 10 months. As of 2025, he is one of the highest-ranked players globally and a symbol of India’s rising dominance in the chess world.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa |
| Nickname | Pragg |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 2005 |
| Age (2025) | 19 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Chess Grandmaster |
| FIDE Title | Grandmaster (2018) |
| Current FIDE Ranking | World No. 4 (as of July 2025) |
| Notable Achievement | Youngest International Master (age 10), GM at 12 |
| Famous For | Defeating Magnus Carlsen multiple times, major tournament wins |
| Playing Style | Aggressive, sharp tactical play |
| Hobbies | Yoga, Meditation, Table Tennis, Cricket |
| Favorite Cricketer | Ravichandran Ashwin |
| Languages Known | Tamil, English |
| Education | Velammal Matriculation School, Chennai |
| Relationship Status | Unmarried |
| Current Residence | Chennai, India |
R. Praggnanandhaa Early Life
Praggnanandhaa was born into a humble and supportive family in Chennai. From a very young age, his intelligence and unique talent in chess became noticeable. Inspired by his elder sister, who was already a competitive chess player, Praggnanandhaa began playing chess at the age of five. His incredible grasp of the game and sharp calculations allowed him to win the World Youth Chess Championships in the under-8 and under-10 categories.
R. Praggnanandhaa Education
Despite being an international sports icon, Praggnanandhaa has consistently balanced his academics and chess. He completed his schooling at Velammal Matriculation School in Chennai, which is known for encouraging young sports talents. His school supported his chess journey, allowing him to pursue his dream while maintaining his education.
R. Praggnanandhaa Family
Praggnanandhaa comes from a simple yet inspiring family:
| Relation | Name | Details |
| Father | Rameshbabu | Bank Employee, Chennai |
| Mother | Nagalakshmi | Homemaker, travels with Pragg for tournaments |
| Sister | R. Vaishali | International Master & Grandmaster (Women’s Chess) |
R. Praggnanandhaa Career
Rise to Stardom:
- Praggnanandhaa became the youngest International Master at the age of 10.
- In 2018, he achieved his Grandmaster title at 12 years and 10 months, becoming the second-youngest GM in history at that time.
Major Career Highlights:
- World Youth Chess Champion in U8 and U10 categories.
- Made history by defeating World Champion Magnus Carlsen in online rapid matches in 2022 and in classical formats in 2024.
- Runner-up at the FIDE World Cup 2023, youngest Indian to reach the final.
- Winner of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, one of the most prestigious global chess events.
- Led the Indian team to a gold medal in the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
- Winner of the Superbet Classic 2025 and UzChess Cup Masters 2025, cementing his position among the world’s elite.
Playing Style:
Known for his aggressive style, sharp tactics, and fearless approach, Praggnanandhaa has earned praise from grandmasters and chess legends worldwide. His creativity on the board makes him one of the most exciting players to watch.
R. Praggnanandhaa Victory Over Magnus Carlsen
At the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour held in Las Vegas (July 17, 2025), R. Praggnanandhaa delivered a stunning performance against world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in their Round 4 showdown. Playing with the White pieces, he secured a victory in just 39 moves, knocking Carlsen out of title contention and taking a commanding lead in his group.
This win marks his seventh consecutive triumph over Carlsen across different formats, classical, rapid, blitz, and now freestyle, solidifying his reputation as a versatile prodigy
What This Means:
- Defeated Carlsen in just 39 moves – an emphatic and spectacular win.
- Carlsen was eliminated from the championship bracket after back-to-back losses.
- Praggnanandhaa now leads Group White, advancing to the quarterfinals with fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi.
This victory isn’t just dramatic, it’s transformative. By defeating the world No. 1 in a high-stakes, rapid-paced environment, Praggnanandhaa has firmly announced himself as a force across all chess disciplines.
R. Praggnanandhaa Social Media
Praggnanandhaa is active on X (Twitter) and shares glimpses of his matches, victories, and life moments.
| Platform | Handle/Link | Notes |
| X (Twitter) | @rpraggnachess | Active with match updates and insights |
| Not Official | No verified Instagram as of 2025 | |
| YouTube | Via FIDE/ChessBase streams | Featured in official game broadcasts |
| Other Media | Interviews with ChessBase, FIDE | Regular appearances in Indian and global chess media |
R. Praggnanandhaa Net Worth
As of 2025, Praggnanandhaa’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million to $2 million, primarily earned from:
Net Worth
| Source | Estimated Value (2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 Million – $2 Million |
| Main Income Sources | Tournament winnings, sponsorships, endorsements |
| Notable Deals | Team Liquid esports deal (2025), Indian brand endorsements |
| Luxury Gifts | Electric SUV from Anand Mahindra (2024) |
| Other Assets | Cash prizes from World Cup, Tata Steel, Superbet Classic |
R. Praggnanandhaa Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | Approximately 5’8’’ (172 cm) |
| Weight | Around 65 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Build | Athletic |
Interesting Facts about R. Praggnanandhaa
- Praggnanandhaa was gifted an SUV by industrialist Anand Mahindra for his spectacular performance.
- He prefers yoga and meditation to improve his mental focus.
- Despite his global fame, he remains deeply connected to his roots in Chennai.
- He often names Ravichandran Ashwin as his favorite cricketer.
- Praggnanandhaa is already being hailed as a future world chess champion by experts.
FAQs
Q1 Who is R. Praggnanandhaa?
R Praggnanandhaa is a famous Indian chess Grandmaster known for his young achievements and wins over top players like Magnus Carlsen.
Q2 When did he become a Grandmaster?
He became a Grandmaster in 2018 at the age of 12 years and 10 months.
Q3 What is his age in 2025?
As of 2025, he is 19 years old.
Q4 What is his FIDE rating?
As of mid-2025, Praggnanandhaa’s rating is around 2779, placing him among the top 5 players in the world.
Q5 Has he defeated Magnus Carlsen?
Yes, he has multiple victories over Carlsen, including rapid and classical formats.
Read more biographies and success stories of business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals, etc. at Leader Biography.
