Praggnanandhaa beats world champion Gukesh, wins Tata Steel Masters 2025

In a dramatic turn of events, the World Champion Gukesh D, who had led for most of the tournament was defeated by Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, at the Tata Steel Masters 2025.

The 19-year-old chess player from Chennai, staged a comeback to defeat the 18-year-old world number three 2-1 in the tiebreaker of the tournament’s 87th edition on Sunday.  

Both players had finished level on 8.5 points after suffering defeats in their 13th-round matches – Gukesh lost to fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi, while Praggnanandhaa was beaten by Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa, the other co-leader, had a chance to claim the title outright but needed to hold an inferior position against Vincent Keymer. However, he was unable to do so, and as a result, both Gukesh D and Praggnanandhaa finished with 8.5/13, tying for first place.

After the opponents traded blows in the first two games, Praggnanandhaa turned the tables in the third sudden-death encounter to win the down-a-pawn endgame and clinch the title.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov netted 8/13 and came third.

Final standings Masters

The Challengers event saw the triumph of Thai Dai Van Nguyen, who scored an impressive 9.5/12. This stellar performance secured him a spot in next year’s Masters.

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Gukesh becomes youngest ever World Chess Champion, second Indian after Anand