Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa just made history by winning the UzChess Cup Masters, defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov to become India’s top-ranked chess player. His live rating skyrocketed to 2778.3, putting him at World No. 4—even ahead of current World Chess Champion D Gukesh. This isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a huge moment for Indian chess, signaling a new era led by young talent.

Editor’s Note: Chess in India is having a major moment, and Praggnanandhaa’s rise is proof. Beating top-tier players and overtaking Gukesh isn’t just about rankings—it’s a sign that the country’s next generation is reshaping the global chess scene. For fans, this is thrilling; for aspiring players, it’s inspiration. The game’s future looks bright, and India’s right at the center of it.

Chess fans hoping to see a showdown between World Champion D Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen in Las Vegas will be disappointed—Gukesh is sitting this one out, saying he’s drained after the grueling Norway Chess tournament. Instead, Vidit Gujrathi will step in, even wearing Gukesh’s signature red jacket as a quirky nod to the substitution. The high-stakes Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, with its $750K prize pool, is still on for July, but there’s more chess drama: the India leg in September is scrapped, and the event’s CEO is stepping down.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a missed marquee matchup—it hints at the punishing schedule top players face and the instability behind the scenes in elite chess. Gukesh’s withdrawal underscores how even champions hit their limits, while the cancelled India leg and leadership shakeup raise questions about the tournament’s future. For fans, it’s a letdown; for the sport, it’s a reality check.