Praggnanandhaa opens up on rivalry with Gukesh: ‘I started before him, I was already stronger…’

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has finally addressed the much-discussed rivalry with fellow teenage Grandmaster D Gukesh, offering a candid perspective that blends respect, history, and competitive fire. Speaking during a media interaction after his recent performance at the FIDE World Cup 2025, Praggnanandhaa said, “I started playing chess before him. I was already stronger when he began. But he’s improved a lot, and now it’s very close.”

The quote has sparked renewed interest in one of India’s most compelling sporting rivalries—two teenage Grandmasters, both under 20, vying for supremacy in the global chess arena. While fans often pit them against each other, both players have maintained a professional relationship built on mutual admiration and shared ambition.

Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh – Career Comparison (as of September 2025)

Praggnanandhaa’s comments were not dismissive but rather reflective of their journey. “We’ve trained together, played together, and pushed each other. It’s good for Indian chess,” he added. The Chennai-based Grandmaster also acknowledged Gukesh’s recent rise to World No. 6, calling it “well-deserved.”

The rivalry gained prominence during the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai, where Gukesh stunned the world with a 9/11 score on Board 1, helping India B clinch bronze. Praggnanandhaa, meanwhile, delivered crucial wins on Board 3. Since then, both have been regulars in elite tournaments, often finishing within striking distance of each other.

Recent Tournament Highlights – Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh (2024–2025)

While Gukesh has recently overtaken Praggnanandhaa in the FIDE rankings, the latter remains India’s most experienced teenage Grandmaster in terms of elite tournament exposure. His runner-up finish at the 2023 World Cup, where he defeated Fabiano Caruana and Arjun Erigaisi, remains a career-defining moment.

Chess experts believe the rivalry is healthy and essential for India’s rise in the global chess hierarchy. Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, mentor to both players, said in a recent interview, “They’re different players with different strengths. Gukesh is fearless and intuitive. Praggnanandhaa is strategic and precise. Together, they’re pushing Indian chess to new heights.”

Playing Style Comparison – Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh

Social media has responded with enthusiasm to Praggnanandhaa’s remarks, with fans praising his humility and competitive spirit. Hashtags like #PraggVsGukesh, #IndianChessRivalry, and #ChessTitans have trended across platforms, reigniting debates over who will become India’s first World Champion in the modern era.

Public Sentiment – Praggnanandhaa’s Verdict on Gukesh Rivalry

Both players are expected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Games 2026 and the FIDE Grand Prix series, where their performances could determine qualification for the next Candidates Tournament. With Anand continuing to mentor them through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever.

As Praggnanandhaa concluded, “We’re not rivals in a negative way. We’re competitors who want to win. That’s what makes it exciting.”

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, verified tournament data, and FIDE rankings. It does not constitute official endorsement or player commentary beyond cited sources. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.