Vidit Gujrathi is not just a chess player—he is a symbol of consistency, calmness, and class in Indian chess. Born on October 24, 1994, in Nashik, Maharashtra, Vidit has grown from a young prodigy into one of India’s most prominent grandmasters. With a peak FIDE rating of 2747 and a calm, methodical approach to the game, he has earned respect not just for his wins but also for the way he plays.
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Vidit Santosh Gujrathi |
| Date of Birth | October 24, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Nashik, Maharashtra, India |
| Age (as of 2025) | 30 years |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Profession | Professional Chess Player (Grandmaster) |
| FIDE Title | Grandmaster (Awarded in 2013) |
| FIDE ID | 5027405 |
| Peak FIDE Rating | 2747 (February 2024) |
| Current Federation | All India Chess Federation (AICF) |
| Playing Style | Positional, Strategic, Endgame-oriented |
| Famous Victories | Hikaru Nakamura (2024 Candidates), Biel 2019, Tata Steel 2018 |
| Education | B.Com from R.A. Podar College, Mumbai |
| Schooling | Fravashi Academy, Nashik |
| Languages Known | English, Hindi, Marathi |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Dr. Nidhi Kataria (Homeopathy)
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| Parents | Father – Santosh Gujrathi (Engineer), Mother – Nilima Gujrathi
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| Siblings | One sister |
| Height | Approx. 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 70 kg |
| Hobbies | Reading non-fiction, watching cricket, Music, Traveling |
| Role Models | Viswanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen |
| Digital Presence | Active on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter/X |
| YouTube Channel | Vidit Gujrathi YouTube |
| Streaming Collaborations | Samay Raina, ChessBase India, Botez Sisters |
| Awards & Recognition | Nominated for the Arjuna Award, multiple international medals |
| Notable Roles | Captain, Indian Olympiad Team; Mentor to Indian juniors |
Early Life and Education
Vidit was introduced to chess at the age of five, and it quickly became more than a hobby. Raised in an academically inclined family, he always balanced chess with studies. He completed his schooling in Nashik and later pursued a degree in Commerce from R.A. Podar College, Mumbai. However, his true education came from countless hours spent mastering the 64 squares.
His family played a pivotal role in shaping his chess career. With unwavering support and sacrifice, his parents ensured he had the best coaches, exposure to global tournaments, and mental strength to keep going.
Junior Career and World Recognition
Vidit’s rise in junior chess was rapid and impressive:
- 2006: Won the Asian Youth Chess Championship in the under-12 category.
- 2008: Became the first Indian to win the World Youth Chess Championship in the under-14 category.
- 2011: Earned the title of International Master.
- 2013: Became a Grandmaster at the age of 18.
These milestones firmly placed him among the most promising Indian chess talents of his generation.
Professional Milestones and International Success
Vidit’s transition to senior-level chess was smooth and impactful. Over the years, he has been a regular participant in elite tournaments and team events.
Key Achievements:
- Tata Steel Challengers (2018) – Winner, earning a spot in the Masters the next year.
- Biel Chess Festival (2019) – Champion, defeating top-level opponents.
- FIDE Online Olympiad (2020) – Captain of the Indian team that shared the gold medal with Russia.
- FIDE Grand Swiss (2023) – Champion, which qualified him for the 2024 Candidates Tournament.
- FIDE Candidates Tournament (2024) – Defeated Hikaru Nakamura in both classical games and finished sixth overall.
His consistency and steady rise have made him one of the most respected names in the global chess community.
Playing Style and Approach
Vidit is known for his solid positional play, clean technique, and endgame mastery. Unlike many aggressive players, he prefers a more refined and strategic game. He is often seen choosing slightly offbeat yet sound lines to take his opponents out of their comfort zones.
He has also worked as a second (assistant) to Anish Giri, helping prepare high-level opening analysis—a testament to his deep understanding of chess theory.
Digital Presence and Fan Engagement
In recent years, Vidit has successfully bridged the gap between classical chess and the digital world. He is an active YouTuber and streamer, with thousands of followers who admire his thoughtful commentary, game analysis, and interactive sessions.
He has collaborated with Indian YouTube sensations like Samay Raina and played a crucial role in the growth of the Indian online chess community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These collaborations helped bring chess into the Indian mainstream, especially among youth.
Mentorship and Leadership
Vidit is often referred to as a “leader by example”. He led Team India in several Olympiads and has served as an unofficial mentor to upcoming grandmasters. His calm and mature leadership style, combined with a sharp eye for strategy, makes him one of India’s most reliable players.
Personal Life
In April 2025, Vidit Gujrathi tied the knot with Dr. Nidhi Kataria, a dentist by profession. Their wedding was a private affair attended by close friends, family, and fellow chess players. The couple shares a deep love for learning, wellness, and personal growth.
Awards and Recognition
Vidit’s contributions to chess have earned him several awards and accolades:
- Arjuna Award (awaited/nominated multiple times)
- Recognized by FIDE and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for his consistent performances
- Frequently features in chess documentaries, podcasts, and educational platforms
Net Worth of Vidit Gujrathi (2025)
As of 2025, Vidit Gujrathi’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and USD 5 million. This wealth accumulation stems from multiple income streams:
- Tournament Winnings: Vidit has consistently performed well in major tournaments, earning significant prize money from victories and strong finishes. His win at the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament in 2023, which secured him a spot in the Candidates Tournament, was a particularly lucrative achievement. Players Bio Pic
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: As a prominent figure in Indian chess, Vidit likely attracts sponsorship deals from brands associated with sports, lifestyle, or intellectual pursuits. Players Bio Pic
- YouTube Channel: Vidit runs a popular YouTube channel where he analyzes games, interacts with fans, and streams fun formats like “Hand & Brain” with fellow players.
In 2023, Vidit earned approximately $131,647 from tournament play, placing him among the top 15 highest-earning chess players globally.
Legacy and Future Goals
As one of the most influential modern Indian chess players, Vidit Gujrathi’s legacy is not just in titles and trophies, it’s in the millions of young minds he has inspired. His journey reflects the rise of Indian chess on the world stage, and his humility continues to win hearts.
With the chess world entering a new era of AI preparation and rapid tournaments, Vidit remains focused on staying relevant and aiming for the World Championship title, a dream that feels increasingly achievable with every tournament.
Interesting Facts About Vidit Gujrathi
- India’s Silent Killer on the Board
Vidit is known in the chess community as a “silent killer” due to his calm demeanor and quietly lethal playing style. He rarely shows emotion during games but often emerges victorious with flawless technique. - First Indian to Win World Youth (U-14)
In 2008, Vidit became the first Indian ever to win the World Youth Chess Championship in the under-14 category—a huge milestone that placed him on the global chess map. - Second to Vidit, First to Inspire
Though often overshadowed by more flamboyant players, Vidit has become a fan favorite due to his humility, sportsmanship, and deeply analytical gameplay. - Defeated Hikaru Nakamura Twice in One Event
In the 2024 Candidates Tournament, Vidit stunned the chess world by defeating top-ranked American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura not once, but twice, in both classical encounters. - Has Helped Other Grandmasters as a “Second”
Vidit has served as a “second” (chess analyst/assistant) for Dutch GM Anish Giri in elite tournaments, helping prepare deep opening analysis. This behind-the-scenes work reflects his strong preparation skills. - Bridge Between Traditional Chess and Modern Streaming
He played a vital role in popularizing chess among Indian youth by collaborating with comedians and streamers like Samay Raina during the pandemic, sparking a major online chess boom in India.
- Multi-talented Off the Board
Vidit has a keen interest in reading, especially non-fiction and self-help books. He also enjoys traveling, exploring new cuisines, and listening to instrumental music. - Disciplined Lifestyle
Known for his discipline and routine, Vidit often credits good sleep, fitness, and mental training (including yoga and meditation) as key ingredients to his tournament performance. - He’s a YouTube Star Too!
Vidit runs a popular YouTube channel where he analyzes games, interacts with fans, and streams fun formats like “Hand & Brain” with fellow players. He has hundreds of thousands of subscribers. - Almost an Arjuna Awardee
Though he hasn’t won yet, Vidit has been nominated multiple times for India’s prestigious Arjuna Award, recognizing his exceptional contribution to sports. - Multi-Lingual and Emotionally Intelligent
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, Vidit is known for being emotionally intelligent, often diffusing tense situations with humor or calm observation. - Very Close to Vishy Anand
Vidit shares a special mentor-student relationship with Indian legend Viswanathan Anand, and often credits him for inspiration and guidance throughout his career.
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