Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, one of India's brightest chess talents, has rapidly ascended the global rankings to become a top contender in elite tournaments. He began his journey early, winning the World Youth Chess Championship Under-8 title in 2013. By 12, he became the second-youngest grandmaster in history, showcasing his immense potential from a young age.

Praggnanandhaa is known for his fearless play, frequently taking on the world’s best and securing key victories. His playing style is marked by deep preparation and tactical sharpness, which has earned him wins over renowned players, including multiple victories against Magnus Carlsen in rapid formats. His breakthrough on the classical stage came in 2023 when he reached the final of the Chess World Cup, defeating Fabiano Caruana in the semi-finals. Though he ultimately lost to Carlsen in the rapid tiebreaks, his performance earned him a place in the 2024 Candidates Tournament, marking him as one of the youngest players to achieve this feat.

In 2024, Praggnanandhaa continued to make waves, finishing 5th in the Candidates Tournament and defeating Carlsen in a classical match for the first time during the Norway Chess tournament. He also led the Indian team to a historic gold medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad, playing alongside his sister Vaishali, who won gold in the Women’s section. Praggnanandhaa’s rapid rise, combined with his consistent performances against top-tier opponents, cements his place as a formidable player on the world stage.