Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has once again made headlines in the global chess community by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour held in Las Vegas. The 19-year-old prodigy forced Carlsen to resign after just 39 moves, leaving commentators and fans stunned. The moment Carlsen conceded was captured with the phrase, “Magnus about to resign… and he does,” highlighting the magnitude of the upset. This match has further solidified Praggnanandhaa’s status as one of the most formidable young players in the world.
With this victory, Praggnanandhaa has now defeated Carlsen in all three major formats—Classical, Rapid, and Blitz—in the same year, a rare and remarkable achievement. His win helped him share the lead in Group White with 4.5 points. In contrast, Carlsen’s early elimination from the tournament after losing in the playoff round to Levon Aronian marked a disappointing end to his campaign. The defeat against Praggnanandhaa played a major role in his early exit.
This isn’t the first time Praggnanandhaa has shocked the chess world. In May 2024, he beat Carlsen in a Classical game during the Norway Chess tournament, held in Carlsen’s home country. That victory was particularly significant as it came in a longer time control format, traditionally considered a true test of a player’s strength and preparation. It also gave Praggnanandhaa the lead in the early stages of that tournament, proving that his earlier wins were no fluke.
Magnus Carlsen, known for his composure and dominance, has publicly acknowledged the challenge posed by Praggnanandhaa. After one of their recent matches, Carlsen admitted that his “nervous system just collapsed,” reflecting the psychological toll of facing the young Indian repeatedly in close contests. He even remarked that “after that, I just sucked,” showing rare vulnerability from the usually unshakeable champion.
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Praggnanandhaa’s triumphs over Carlsen this year are more than just wins on the board—they signal a generational shift in the chess world. His rapid rise, marked by humility, strategic brilliance, and relentless focus, continues to inspire chess fans in India and beyond. As he consistently challenges the best in the world, it’s clear that R Praggnanandhaa is no longer just a rising star—he’s already arrived on the grandest stage.
