Hailing from Chennai, Vaishali Rameshbabu has risen to prominence in the world of chess. She emerged as a formidable talent early on, clinching the Girls' World Youth Chess Championship titles in the Under-12 category in 2012 and Under-14 in 2015. Her early exposure to the game came with remarkable milestones, notably her unexpected triumph over future World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in a simul at just 12 years old.
Vaishali's playing style has been instrumental in her acquisition of several prestigious titles, including the Woman International Master (WIM) in 2016 and the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) in 2018. Her ascension to Grandmaster status in 2024 capped off her impressive junior career with a crowning achievement.
Her biggest accomplishments include contributing to India’s gold medal victory at the 2020 Online Olympiad, India's first-ever medal in this event. Furthermore, her individual performances have been equally impressive, with a notable victory in the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2023, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, securing her qualification for the 2024 Women’s Candidates Tournament.
Vaishali's recent form has been nothing short of stellar. In 2023, she clinched the top women's prize at the Qatar Masters Open, with a performance rating of 2609, indicating her readiness to compete against the global elite. Her FIDE rating peaked at 2506 in August 2024. Alongside her brother, Praggnanandhaa, she has set new benchmarks for sibling success in chess, both securing Grandmaster titles and qualifying for the Candidates Tournament.