Vidit Gujrathi is an Indian chess grandmaster and one of the nation's brightest chess talents. Vidit started playing chess at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, earning the grandmaster title in 2013. He won the World Youth Championship U-14 in 2008 and has since represented India in numerous global tournaments, including leading the Indian team to victory in the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad.

In 2023, Vidit achieved one of his biggest career milestones by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss, securing his qualification for the 2024 Candidates Tournament. Known for his sharp strategic skills and calm demeanour under pressure, Vidit has consistently performed at the top level. His peak FIDE rating of 2747 in February 2024 placed him among the world’s elite chess players, and he has earned widespread recognition for his consistency in classical tournaments and team events.

Vidit’s 2024 form remains impressive, with a notable sixth-place finish in the Candidates Tournament, where he managed to defeat Hikaru Nakamura twice. Off the board, he actively engages with fans through his YouTube channel, where he shares insights into his chess journey and analysis of games, making him one of the most popular and accessible chess grandmasters today.

MVL’s playing style is marked by his deep opening preparation, especially in the Grünfeld Defence, where he is considered a world expert. His versatility extends to rapid and blitz formats, where he’s renowned for his quick thinking and precision under time pressure.

Throughout his career, Vachier-Lagrave has consistently achieved remarkable results. He won the World Junior Chess Championship in 2009 and became a five-time winner of the prestigious Biel Chess Tournament. His success extends to elite events like the Sinquefield Cup, which he won in 2017 and 2021, and he has consistently represented France in Chess Olympiads and European Championships, winning numerous medals for his country.

In recent years, MVL has continued to perform at a high level. In 2021, he won the World Blitz Championship, showcasing his prowess in fast-paced formats. In 2024, he remains in the top 20, with a FIDE rating of 2731, still a formidable competitor in both classical and rapid chess events worldwide.