Know your Squad: Who are the Grandmasters representing India at FIDE Candidates 2024

For the first time in history, India has five representatives in the Candidates.

The FIDE Candidates 2024 is scheduled to take place in Toronto, Canada, from 3rd to 22nd April. This historic event marks the first time that two major chess championships are being held simultaneously at the same location.

Impressively, the participation of five Indian players—three in the open category and two in the women’s category—has set a new record. The Indian Chess Candidates Team comprises R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, K. Humpy and R Vaishali.

In the past, India faced restrictions on participating in the Champions League, with only Viswanathan Anand representing the country in 1991 and 2014 and with Koneru Humpy previously competing in the Challengers side of the 2011 World Women’s Chess Championship, which was conducted through a series of Grand Prix events between 2009 and 2011.

However, things have changed at this year’s event with five Indian athletes in the mix. Let’s delve into the list of Grandmasters from India who have made it to the Candidates 2024.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the talented 18-year-old chess player from Tamil Nadu, is hailed as one of the country’s most promising rising stars. Known for his bold playing style and sharp tactics, Praggnanandhaa has impressed audiences both at home and abroad. His remarkable performance at the recent Chess World Cup, where he clinched second place despite competing against the formidable Magnus Carlsen, has further solidified his reputation.

Under the guidance of renowned coach Peter Swidler, Praggnanandhaa has fine-tuned his skills and gained recognition for his diverse opening strategies and strategic brilliance. With an impressive FIDE rating of 2747, he stands as one of India’s top contenders for the World Chess Championship.

Dommaraju Gukesh

Dommaraju Gukesh, a 17-year-old prodigy hailing from Chennai, possesses the endurance and maturity of an experienced master. His career is distinguished by significant accomplishments, including triumphs in the Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour and securing a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad. He is also the youngest chess player to win against Magnus Carlsen after Carlsen’s ascension to world champion.

With an impressive FIDE rating of 2747, Gukesh’s journey to the tournament has been marked by consistent success over the past couple of years.

Vidit Santosh Gujrathi

Vidit Gujrathi, from Nashik, is well-known for his strong openings and tactical abilities. He is ready to make his mark and take on top players. Nicknamed “Vidit 2.0,” he is currently in top form, performing better than ever. His impressive run started at the FIDE Swiss Open 2023. With an impressive FIDE rating of 2722, Vidit may be considered an underdog in the competition, but has the potential to compete at a high level.

Koneru Humpy

Koneru Humpy is a seasoned veteran who brings a lot of experience to the event, making her as one of the most experienced players in the tournament.

She has amassed 2625 points in in FIDE rating. She also has various accolades to her name. The Andhra Pradesh native is a former World Championship runner-up and the 2019 World Rapid Chess champion.

Vaishali Rameshbabu

Vaishali, a 22-year-old chess player from Chennai and the elder sister of Praggnanandhaa, is considered a rising star in Indian chess.

She has shown great potential and has proven herself to be a strong player, stepping out of her brother’s shadow and making a name for herself in the Challenger Championship.

Vaishali’s recent wins against former world champions highlight her skills and ability to make a significant impact on the global chess scene. With a FIDE rating of 2460, she has the tactical superiority and game to succeed in many matches.

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