In a stunning display of composure and tactical brilliance, Indian Grandmaster Karthik Venkataraman pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIDE World Cup 2025 by defeating Romanian Grandmaster Deac Bogdan-Daniel in the third-round tiebreaks. With this victory, Karthik not only advanced to the Round of 32 but also secured the highest prize money of his career, marking a historic moment for the 24-year-old from Tirupati.
The match, held in Panaji, Goa, saw Karthik, rated 2579, outmaneuver the 2655-rated Romanian GM in a thrilling rapid tiebreak series, clinching the round 2.5–1.5. His performance made him the only Indian to win a third-round tiebreak at the event, as fellow countrymen Narayanan S.L. and Vidit Gujrathi bowed out in their respective matches.
Karthik’s Road to Round of 32
Karthik’s journey through the tournament has been a testament to resilience and preparation. After a solid performance in the classical games, he held his nerve in the rapid tiebreaks, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure. His victory over Deac Bogdan-Daniel, a seasoned campaigner with multiple international titles, has elevated Karthik’s status in the global chess community.
Match Summary: Karthik vs Deac Bogdan-Daniel
| Game Type | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Classical Game 1 | Draw | — |
| Classical Game 2 | Draw | — |
| Rapid Tiebreak 1 | Draw | — |
| Rapid Tiebreak 2 | Win | Karthik |
| Final Score | 2.5–1.5 | Karthik Venkataraman |
The decisive moment came in the second rapid tiebreak, where Karthik capitalized on a minor positional error by Deac to gain a material advantage and convert it into a win with clinical precision.
Career Milestone: Highest Prize Money Secured
With this win, Karthik has assured himself of a prize purse that surpasses all his previous earnings in international chess. While the exact figure is yet to be disclosed officially, estimates suggest that players reaching the Round of 32 in the FIDE World Cup earn upwards of $25,000, excluding performance bonuses and federation incentives.
This financial milestone is a significant boost for Karthik, who has long been regarded as one of India’s most promising yet under-the-radar talents. His success is expected to attract sponsorships and greater visibility in the chess ecosystem.
Indian Contingent Performance at FIDE World Cup 2025
| Player | Round Reached | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Karthik Venkataraman | Round of 32 | Advanced |
| Vidit Gujrathi | Round of 32 | Eliminated |
| Narayanan S.L. | Round of 32 | Eliminated |
| R Praggnanandhaa | Round of 64 | Eliminated |
| Arjun Erigaisi | Round of 64 | Eliminated |
Karthik’s win has kept India’s hopes alive in the tournament, with fans and analysts now rallying behind him as he prepares for his next challenge.
Reactions and Praise
The Indian chess fraternity has lauded Karthik’s achievement. Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand tweeted, “Fantastic performance by Karthik! Beating a top-30 player in a World Cup tiebreak is no small feat.”
Chess coach and commentator R.B. Ramesh added, “Karthik’s growth has been steady. This win is a result of years of hard work and belief.”
Karthik’s Career Highlights
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2018 | National Junior Champion |
| 2020 | Earned Grandmaster title |
| 2022 | Winner, National Rapid Championship |
| 2025 | Reaches Round of 32, FIDE World Cup |
Karthik’s journey from junior champion to World Cup contender has been marked by perseverance, especially in a country where competition is fierce and opportunities limited.
What’s Next for Karthik?
Karthik will now face a higher-seeded opponent in the Round of 32. His preparation will be crucial, as the format continues to test players across classical, rapid, and blitz formats. A win in the next round would not only enhance his earnings but also bring him closer to qualifying for the Candidates Tournament—a gateway to the World Chess Championship.
Conclusion
Karthik Venkataraman’s victory over Romanian GM Deac Bogdan-Daniel is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a moment of pride for Indian chess. With his calm demeanor, strategic depth, and growing confidence, Karthik is poised to become a mainstay in the international chess circuit. As he advances in the FIDE World Cup, the spotlight is firmly on this rising star from Tirupati.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available tournament data and media reports. The views expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute official endorsements or financial advice.
