Who is R Praggnanandhaa? The 16-Year-Old Indian Chess Prodigy Who Beat World Champion Magnus Carlsen

The Indian Chess world made some major waves yesterday when 16-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandha defeated World Number 1, Magnus Carlsen in an online rapid chess competition.

Going into the tournament, Praggnanandha was known as the rising star of the Indian chess scene after scoring multiple victories against some of the biggest names in the sport.

However, it seems like the 16-year-old has finally made his mark in the chess world after he bagged an unprecedented win against Carlsen in the eighth round of the Airthings Masters.

After growing up in the suburbs of Chennai, Praggnanandha has become the toast of the India sporting scene as he gained nods from some of the country’s greatest sporting icons such as Sachin Tendulkar.

What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced & decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too while playing black, is magical!

Best wishes on a long & successful chess career ahead. You’ve made India proud! pic.twitter.com/hTQiwznJvX

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 21, 2022

What an achievement from @rpragchess to beat @MagnusCarlsen . An achievement the entire country is proud of ???????? #Praggnanandhaa

— Ashwin ???????? (@ashwinravi99) February 22, 2022

Sheer brilliance!

Congratulations to 16-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa for an outstanding win against World No. 1.

You’ve done India proud! pic.twitter.com/lLLl506V16

— RajyavardhanRathore (@Ra_THORe) February 21, 2022

R Praggnanandha first gained worldwide fame when he became the youngest International Master (IM) ever at the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days in 2016. Two years later in 2018, he became the second youngest Grandmaster (GM) at the age of 12 years, 10 months and 13 days, and he’s currently the fifth youngest Grandmaster ever.

Defeating Carlsen is no easy feat, as Praggnanandha considers the Norwegian his idol. Playing as Black against the GOAT of Chess, the 16-year-old defeated him in 39 moves, which also ended the star player’s three game winning streak.

Following his match with Carlsen, Praggnanandha registered wins against Andrey Esipenko and Alexandra Kosteniuk, and he’s currently ranked 12th in the online rapid chess tournament.