July 21, 2025: Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has once again defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at the ongoing Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Las Vegas. This marks the 19-year-old’s second win over the Norwegian grandmaster in the tournament, further solidifying his position as one of the most promising young players in global chess.
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, based on the Fischer Random (Chess960) format, eliminates the use of traditional openings, pushing players to rely solely on creativity and over-the-board tactics. Praggnanandhaa excelled under this pressure, displaying precise calculation, strategic understanding, and exceptional endgame technique to secure victory in a 52-move encounter.
The Chennai-born grandmaster, who has been steadily rising through the international chess ranks, stunned spectators and analysts alike with his confident play against Carlsen. His victory comes at a crucial stage of the tournament, significantly enhancing his chances of advancing to the final rounds.
This is not the first time Praggnanandhaa has bested Carlsen. The young Indian has previously defeated the five-time World Champion in online rapid events, but this double win at a high-profile in-person tournament is being hailed as a major milestone in his career.
Following the match, Carlsen acknowledged his opponent’s performance, saying, “He played brilliantly today. The format favors originality, and Praggnanandhaa certainly delivered.” Carlsen, who has dominated both classical and rapid chess for over a decade, remains a top contender in the tournament but faces increased competition from rising talents like Praggnanandhaa.
Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who has mentored Praggnanandhaa through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, praised the young player’s form. “Pragg’s back-to-back wins over Magnus show that he is not just a rising star but someone ready to take on the world’s best,” Anand stated.
With the tournament nearing its final stages, all eyes are on Praggnanandhaa as he continues to challenge the world elite and rewrite India’s legacy in global chess. His victories are being seen as a significant boost to Indian chess, inspiring young players and increasing interest in the sport across the country.
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam continues this week in Las Vegas, with top international grandmasters competing under randomized starting positions, ensuring unpredictability and innovation in every round.
