From Binge Watching TV To Chess World Cup 2023: 10 Facts About R Praggnanandhaa

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan drew a significant audience from India as its chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa went head-to-head with the world number one Magnus Carlsen.

The Chess World Cup has come to an end with an exciting final match. In this gripping showdown, Magnus Carlsen, the world's top-ranked player from Norway, emerged as the winner against India's 18-year-old grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa. The competition was incredibly fierce and went down to tie-breaks, with Carlsen ultimately clinching the title.

With this, Praggnanandhaa became the youngest Indian chess player to reach the Chess World Cup final. Praggnanandhaa`s climb to the final round is of great significance as he beat world number two Fabiano Caruana of the United States in the semifinal as well as world number three Hikaru Nakamura, also of the US, in earlier rounds.

10 Facts About R Praggnanandhaa’s Chess Career

This chess prodigy of 18 years comes from the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu well known for its craze for chess. His father Rameshbabu, deals with the challenges of polio and works as a manager at TNSC Bank. While his mother Nagalakshmi is a homemaker who is seen often accompanying her son in national and international competitions. The couple has a daughter Vaishali, four years older than Praggnanandhaa, who is also a grand master. As far as his educational background is concerned, he is still pursuing higher education in his hometown.

He was crowned the title of FIDE Master after winning the World Youth Chess Championship Under-8 title in 2013.
Two years later in 2015, the young chess master won the under-10 title.
Amazing everyone, in 2016, he became the youngest international master in history at the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days.
He continued his winning streak as he achieved his first grandmaster norm at the World Junior Chess Championship in November 2017.
The chess world was really taking notice by April 2018, when he added another feather to his cap by gaining his second norm at the Heraklion Fischer Memorial GM norm tournament in Greece.
But wait, his story gets even more remarkable. On June 23, 2018, he achieved his third and final norm at the Gredine Open in Urtijëi, Italy, and in doing so, became the second-youngest grandmaster ever. He was just 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days old.
Jumping ahead to July 2019, he showed his skills internationally by winning the Xtracon Chess Open in Denmark. The chess world was now getting accustomed to his name.
October 2019 was another milestone. He secured the World Youth Championships in the Under-18 section.
December 2019 brought another accolade. He became the second-youngest person ever to hit a rating of 2600.
Then, in April 2021, he nailed the Polgar Challenge, and this victory was a ticket to the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour. Along the way, he even defeated some of the top players, including the legendary Magnus Carlsen.

Quite a journey for this chess sensation!

The Secret Superstar Behind R Praggnanandhaa!

Nagalakshmi, the proud mother of the 18-year-old chess prodigy deserves the credit for his success. Her entire life revolves around supporting Praggnanand and his sister Vaishali in their journey to become world grandmasters in their respective categories.

"In childhood, Praggnanandhaa and his sister used to watch a lot of TV," Nagalakshmi said, which is why she admitted them to a chess class. Today, the TV in their house may hardly ever be switched on. Her day starts at 6 a.m. and ends by midnight.

Now known to many, Nagalakshmi takes an induction stove and two steel utensils when they travel for tournaments so that she can cook rice and rasam for her son. Praggnanandhaa's father, who lives in Chennai, revealed that this time too, his mother packed rice, a rice cooker, and spices as her priority!

FAQs

1. How old is R Praggnanandhaa?

R Praggnanandhaa was born on August 10, 2005, making him 18 years old.

2. What notable records has Praggnanandhaa achieved?

Praggnanandhaa has achieved several notable records including the youngest international master in history in 2016 at the age of 10 years, 10 months, and 19 days, and becoming the second-youngest person ever to hit a rating of 2600.

3. Who won the Magnus vs. Pragg match?

Magnus Carlsen won the Chess World Cup 2023. Carlsen defeated Praggnanandhaa in tie-breaks to claim the title.

4. How many times has Praggnanandhaa defeated Magnus Carlsen?

To date, Praggnanandhaa has defeated Magnus Carlsen twice.

5. Who is the winner of the Chess World Cup 2023?

Magnus Carlsen is the winner of the Chess World Cup 2023.

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Shivangi Vatsal

Sr. Associate Content Strategist @Unstop

I am a storyteller by nature. At Unstop, I tell stories ripe with promise and inspiration, and in life, I voice out the stories of our four-legged furry friends. Providing a prospect of a good life filled with equal opportunities to students and our pawsome buddies helps me sleep better at night. And for those rainy evenings, I turn to my colors.

Updated On: 22 Sep'23, 08:44 AM IST