R Praggnanandhaa made history as the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, defeating Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in a dramatic comeback final.
Praggnanandhaa Creates History in Grand Chess Tour
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour (GCT) title after defeating American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana in a dramatic final at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
Praggnanandhaa completed a remarkable comeback to win the grand finale 15-13, overcoming a six-point deficit at the beginning of the day. The victory earned the 21-year-old Chennai player his maiden GCT title along with a USD 200,000 prize.
The triumph also secured Praggnanandhaa a place in next year’s Grand Chess Tour alongside Caruana and American Grandmaster Wesley So.
Six-Point Deficit Overturned
Praggnanandhaa began the final day six points behind Caruana, leaving him with a difficult task. However, the Indian Grandmaster produced a stunning performance in the rapid section.
He won both rapid games, earning four points in each game, and turned the deficit into a two-point advantage.
The rapid victories proved crucial as the match moved into the blitz section. Praggnanandhaa and Caruana exchanged wins, while two other blitz games ended in draws.
After the first blitz game was drawn, Caruana won the second to level the overall score at 12-12. Praggnanandhaa responded by winning the third game to restore his two-point lead at 14-12.
A draw in the final blitz game was enough for the Indian to claim the championship. Praggnanandhaa held his nerve and secured the draw, sealing one of the biggest victories of his career.
Praggnanandhaa Reflects on Stunning Comeback
Speaking to Chess.com after the victory, Praggnanandhaa admitted that he had not expected to have many chances at the start of the day.
The Indian credited his two rapid victories over Caruana as particularly important to the comeback.
The official Grand Chess Tour account also congratulated Praggnanandhaa, praising his fight and comeback in the final.
Another Historic Achievement for Indian Chess
The Grand Chess Tour victory adds to an already impressive year for Praggnanandhaa. Earlier in 2026, he became the first Indian to win the Norway Chess title, where he recorded two victories over world number one and tournament favourite Magnus Carlsen.
The latest triumph further strengthens Praggnanandhaa’s position among the leading young players in world chess and adds another significant milestone to India’s growing presence in elite international chess.
Key Takeaways
- R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour title.
- He defeated Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in the final.
- Praggnanandhaa overturned a six-point deficit on the final day.
- He won USD 200,000 as the championship prize.
- The victory guarantees him a place in next year’s Grand Chess Tour.
- Earlier this year, he became the first Indian to win Norway Chess.
