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Top 10 Chess Players in India You Should Know About

Pravi Jain

Updated on

Jun 03, 2025

2 min

Top 10 Chess Players in India You Should Know About

In India, chess is more than simply a game these days; it's a rising force, a passion, and a way of life. It's undoubtedly the golden age of Indian chess, with a group of very gifted players taking the game worldwide. These ten Indian chess players are definitely worth checking out, whatever of your level of experience with tactics and endgames.
Top Indian chess players, Best chess players in India, and Chess Grandmasters India are now recognized globally.

Viswanathan Anand

Famously called the Tiger of Madras
First Asian to become World Chess Champion and he did it 5 times
His quick moves and next level strategy have made him a global chess icon
Still inspiring the next gen like a true boss

(Viswanathan Anand is also the richest Indian chess player.)

Pentala Harikrishna

He is From Andhra Pradesh and one of India's strongest Grand Master
He is Known for his bold and aggressive style
He Played in top chess events like Tata Steel Chess, Aeroflot Open, and repped India like a champ

Koneru Humpy

She Becomes Grandmaster and former world No. 2 among women
She Won the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships for Women.
Her calm under pressure style is just amazing to watch

Baskaran Adhiban

He born in Tamil Nadu with a wild and creative style
Also Known as “Beast” in the chess world for a reason
He Played some epic games at Tata Steel and other big tourneys

Nihal Sarin

He is From Kerala and already a Grand Master by the age of 14
Won World Youth Championship and played in online blitz like a total pro
Famous for his Fast, calm, and deadly chess moves

R Praggnanandhaa

He is From Chennai and became the Grand Master at just age of 12
Beat Magnus Carlsen more than once
His sharp tactics and maturity beyond his age are mind blowing

(R Praggnanandhaa is among the top Indian chess rankings 2025)

Arjun Erigaisi

He is From Telangana and he is growing FAST
He Won multiple rapid and blitz events in India and abroad
He is known for his Quiet personality, but super fierce on the board

Dronavalli Harika

She is a top female Grand Master from the state Andhra Pradesh
Bronze medalist in Women’s World Championships many times
Big wins at Asian Games, Commonwealth, and many more
She is a powerhouse of patience and precision can be seen while watching her playing

Aravindh Chithambaram

Another Tamil Nadu star who is been climbing the chess ladder
He Won national championships and represented India globally
Have a Strong positional play and great at turning the tables mid-game

Karthikeyan Murali

Become Indian National Champion twice
He is the Part of the new generation shaking things up
He is Known for his tactical sharpness and killer instinct

Conclusion

In India, chess is growing at an unprecedented rate. These ten players represent only a small portion of the total. It's safe to assume that India is becoming into a chess superpower, especially with new talent emerging year. Indian chess is just getting started, so if you haven't already, start following them and future legends!
These Top Indian chess players are reshaping the world stage. Stay updated with Indian chess rankings 2025 to track the rise of the best chess players in India.