Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, popularly known as Pragg, stunned the chess world by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in just 39 moves during the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam 2025 held in Las Vegas, USA. The thrilling encounter took place during the final round of the group stage, where Pragg’s strategic brilliance forced Carlsen to resign and move into the Losers’ Bracket.
A Strategic Masterstroke by the Indian Grandmaster
Praggnanandhaa, playing with white pieces, showcased deep preparation and tactical sharpness as he capitalized on Carlsen’s minor inaccuracies. His relentless pressure on the board ultimately led Carlsen to resign after 39 moves — a moment that drew global attention.
This victory was especially significant because it propelled Pragg to the quarterfinals, while Carlsen, who had a shaky group-stage performance, was eliminated from the Winners’ Bracket and forced into the Losers’ Bracket — reducing his chances of winning the title.
Carlsen’s Shaky Start and Early Exit
Magnus Carlsen began the Las Vegas leg of the tournament with two wins but was soon handed back-to-back losses — first by Praggnanandhaa and then by Wesley So. A series of draws followed, and in a do-or-die final match, Carlsen managed to beat Bibisara Assaubayeva. However, he lost the decisive playoff games to Levon Aronian, who clinched the final qualifying spot.
This outcome marked a rare early exit for Carlsen, especially considering his dominant run in previous legs of the Freestyle Grand Slam series in Karlsruhe, Paris, and Weissenhaus, Germany.
A Familiar Rivalry: Praggnanandhaa vs. Carlsen
This isn’t the first time Pragg has outplayed Carlsen. The Indian chess sensation had earlier defeated the Norwegian champion in the Norway Chess tournament (2023) and again in an online rapid match. However, this victory at the Freestyle Grand Slam 2025 adds even more weight, considering the format and the stakes involved.
Pragg’s consistently improving performance on the international stage signals the emergence of India as a powerhouse in global chess.
What Is the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam?
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam is a unique series of chess events inspired by tennis Grand Slam tournaments. Initiated by German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, the tournament blends traditional and fast-paced formats and brings together elite players across different cities.
In 2025, the Grand Slam was scheduled to take place in Weissenhaus, Paris, New York, Cape Town, and New Delhi. However, the New York leg was shifted to Las Vegas, while the India leg was cancelled.
In Las Vegas, the tournament featured two groups of eight players, each competing in seven rounds of 10+10 games, which determined who would qualify for the Winners and Losers Brackets.
The Rise of Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s latest triumph comes on the heels of another rising Indian star, Dommaraju Gukesh, defeating Carlsen earlier. The back-to-back defeats for Carlsen at the hands of Indian talents highlight a generational shift in the chess world.
With players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi on the rise, India’s presence on the global chess map is stronger than ever. The performance of these young grandmasters reflects the growing chess ecosystem in the country, supported by better training, sponsorships, and international exposure.
What’s Next for Carlsen and Pragg?
While Carlsen is still in the tournament through the Losers’ Bracket, his chances of winning have diminished. On the other hand, Pragg continues his journey in the quarterfinals, aiming for his first major Freestyle Grand Slam title.
Fans and experts alike are eagerly watching his progress, as he seems poised to emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the championship.
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