D Gukesh, the reigning world chess champion, continues his meteoric rise in the chess world, securing the fourth spot in the latest FIDE rankings and surpassing fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi. The 18-year-old prodigy achieved this milestone on Thursday after his impressive performance in the ongoing Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, where he defeated Germany’s Vincent Keymer.
Gukesh Surpasses Erigaisi to Become India’s Best
With a rating of 2784 points, Gukesh now holds the title of the highest-ranked Indian chess player. He overtook Arjun Erigaisi, who previously held the position for a significant period but has now slipped to fifth with a rating of 2779.5.
Norwegian chess legend Magnus Carlsen continues to dominate the global rankings with 2832.5 points, followed by American Grandmasters Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and Fabiano Caruana (2798), occupying second and third positions, respectively.
A Remarkable Journey to the Top
Gukesh’s rise to the top tier of world chess has been nothing short of phenomenal. His crowning moment came in December last year when he defeated China’s Ding Liren to claim the World Championship title in Singapore. Following his triumph, Gukesh took a brief hiatus from competitive play to attend various celebrations and skipped the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York.
Returning to the chessboard, Gukesh has maintained his exceptional form. In the ongoing Tata Steel Tournament, he remains unbeaten with two wins and three draws so far, with eight more rounds yet to be played.
Consistent Performances Highlight Gukesh’s Growth
The young Indian Grandmaster’s recent achievements have solidified his position as one of the brightest talents in the chess world. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him a formidable opponent on the global stage.
As Gukesh continues to shine in Wijk Aan Zee, the chess fraternity eagerly anticipates how far this rising star will go in his quest to challenge Magnus Carlsen’s dominance at the top.
