Arjun Erigaisi, a young chess prodigy from India, has recently made history by crossing the 2800 Elo rating mark, a milestone previously achieved by only one other Indian player, the legendary Viswanathan Anand. Erigaisi’s impressive journey and recent performances have cemented his place as one of the world’s top players. At just 21 years old, he is only the 16th player globally to achieve a 2800 rating, and his ascent marks a promising trajectory toward world championship aspirations.

Early Life and Chess Beginnings

Arjun Erigaisi was born on September 3, 2003, in the historic city of Warangal, Telangana, into a supportive Telugu family. His father, a neurosurgeon, and his mother, a homemaker, recognized his remarkable memory skills early on, which also caught the attention of his teachers. This innate aptitude led him to begin formal chess training at the age of 11 at the BS Chess Academy in Hanamkonda, where he quickly developed a reputation as a chess prodigy. 

Rapid Rise and Breakthroughs

By 2018, at just 14 years old, Arjun achieved the title of Grandmaster, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of his rapid ascent through the international chess ranks. 

His true breakout, however, came in 2021, a transformative year in which his rating skyrocketed from 2500, eventually entering the elite 2700 club. This rise was fueled by standout performances, including his victory at the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid tournament and a close runner-up finish in the Blitz category, where he narrowly lost to GM Levon Aronian in a tense tie-break. 

His continued excellence shone through at the 2022 Tata Steel Challengers, which further elevated his ranking and secured him a coveted spot in the prestigious Tata Steel Masters tournament.

Contribution of Arjun Erigaisi to India’s Historic Gold at the Chess Olympiad

In the 2024 Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Arjun played a pivotal role in India’s first-ever gold medal win, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency on the third board. His performance rating of 2968 across 11 games (nine wins and two draws) earned him individual accolades and propelled India to team victory. His winning streak included a 6-0 start, echoing the famed unbeaten run of Bobby Fischer.

Style of Play

Initially recognized for his positional prowess, Arjun has evolved into a versatile and adaptable player. He has refined his opening repertoire and embraced various tactical approaches, making him a formidable opponent in all phases of the game. His flexibility, coupled with meticulous calculation and preparation, reflects the influence of his coaches, including renowned players such as GM Victor Mikhalevski and Rustam Kasimdzhanov, a former FIDE World Champion.

Achievements and Accolades

Beyond the Chess Olympiad, Arjun’s achievements include:

– National Champion (2022): Winning the Indian National Championship demonstrated his dominance on the national stage.

– Tata Steel India Champion (2021): His victory in this high-profile tournament marked a defining moment in his international career.

– Sportstar Emerging Hero Award (2023): A recognition of his growing influence in the chess world.

– Menorca Open Winner (2024): Arjun topped this tournament, adding to his impressive record of victories.

What does future look like for him?

Arjun’s current live rating places him at No. 3 in the world rankings, overtaking stalwarts like Fabiano Caruana. With aspirations to reach the world’s top rank, he remains focused on his long-term goal of becoming a classical world champion, a feat achieved by only a few Indians.

A True Role Model For Rising Chess Players

As a role model for aspiring chess players, Arjun Erigaisi’s journey embodies dedication, resilience, and ambition. His rapid ascent and remarkable consistency are a testament to his hard work and strategic vision, making him a key player in the golden generation of Indian chess.