WIJK AAN ZEE, Netherlands – In a tournament filled with surprises, comebacks, and nail-biting finishes, 18-year-old R Praggnanandhaa emerged as the Tata Steel Chess 2025 champion after a dramatic tiebreak showdown against fellow Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju. The victory cemented Praggnanandhaa's place among the world's elite as he lifted one of the most prestigious trophies in chess.
A Tournament of Twists and Turns
The tournament saw intense battles right from the start. Gukesh took an early lead, scoring critical wins against Levon Aronian and Alireza Firouzja. His precise positional play and fearless approach made him look like the clear favorite for the title.
Praggnanandhaa, on the other hand, had a steady but slower start. He suffered a tough loss to Anish Giri in Round 4 but bounced back with a spectacular victory against Nodirbek Abdusattorov. His ability to handle pressure and deliver strong endgames kept him in the race.
By Round 10, Gukesh was still leading, but a dramatic game against Magnus Carlsen nearly derailed his campaign. The world champion created complications, but Gukesh held his ground and forced a draw after nearly six hours of play. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa kept climbing, defeating Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in a stunning tactical battle.
The Final Round: A Twist in the Tale
Heading into the final round, Gukesh was half a point ahead of Praggnanandhaa. All he needed was a win to secure the title. Paired against fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh played aggressively but misjudged a critical queen exchange. Erigaisi took control, launching a decisive attack that ended Gukesh's game in a crushing defeat.
At the same time, Praggnanandhaa, knowing he had a chance to catch up, played a flawless game against Anish Giri. He maintained strong positional control throughout and converted his slight edge into a victory, tying with Gukesh at the top of the standings with 8.5 points each.
Tiebreak Showdown: A Clash of India's Finest
With both players tied, the tournament rules required a two-game rapid tiebreak to determine the champion. The tension in the hall was palpable as the two young Indian grandmasters prepared for one final battle.
In the first game, Praggnanandhaa, playing with White, opted for a solid yet dynamic approach. He built up pressure on the queenside, forcing Gukesh into a passive position. With precise calculation, he won a pawn and transitioned into an endgame where his passed pawn proved decisive. Gukesh fought hard but had to resign after 52 moves.
The second game was Gukesh's last chance to force a deciding Armageddon game. Needing a win, he launched an aggressive Sicilian Defense, trying to create chaos on the board. The game became incredibly sharp, with both players down to seconds on the clock. At one point, Gukesh sacrificed a piece for an attack, but Praggnanandhaa defended accurately, neutralizing the threats. With his last few moves, Praggnanandhaa exchanged queens, simplifying into a drawn position. Gukesh offered his hand in resignation. It was over.
The Winning Moment and Reactions
As soon as the game ended, Praggnanandhaa exhaled deeply, smiling as he leaned back in his chair. Gukesh, despite his disappointment, gave his friend a warm handshake. The crowd erupted in applause as Praggnanandhaa was crowned the Tata Steel Chess 2025 champion.
Speaking after the match, Praggnanandhaa said, "I still can't believe it. This tournament was tough from the beginning, and the tiebreak was incredibly stressful. Gukesh is a phenomenal player, and I knew it would be a very close fight."
Gukesh, though visibly disappointed, was gracious in defeat. "I gave it my all, but Prag played better today. These battles make us stronger, and I'll be back next year," he said with a smile.
Former world champion Viswanathan Anand, who has mentored both players, watched with pride. "What we saw today was the future of Indian chess. Both of them are already among the best in the world, and this is just the beginning."
As the cameras flashed and the trophy was handed over, Praggnanandhaa lifted it high, marking yet another historic moment in Indian chess. The tournament had delivered everything—thrills, heartbreak, and a champion who proved his nerves under fire.
