Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands: Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa secured his first-ever Tata Steel Chess Tournament title after an intense eight-hour battle, defeating reigning World Champion D Gukesh in a dramatic final on Sunday.

Reflecting on his hard-fought victory, Praggnanandhaa described the day as “crazy” and physically exhausting. “It was very long, close to eight hours. The first game itself lasted around 6.5 hours, and then we had the blitz. It was a crazy day,” he said.

The 18-year-old Indian prodigy showcased resilience and strategic brilliance throughout the tournament, overcoming some of the best players in the world. His triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as one of the brightest young stars in chess.

Speaking on the significance of his win, Praggnanandhaa stated, “This is a very special event in the chess world, and I have watched games from this tournament while growing up. Last year, things didn’t go my way, so I was really motivated for this tournament.”

With this victory, Praggnanandhaa joins the elite ranks of champions in one of the most prestigious chess tournaments globally. His performance further strengthens India’s rising dominance in the chess world, with young talents like him and Gukesh making their mark on the international stage.