India’s chess sensation, D. Gukesh, has scaled new heights, reaching a remarkable World No. 4 ranking in the latest FIDE live rankings. This impressive feat comes as a result of his compatriot, Arjun Erigaisi, falling to a defeat against Turkiye’s Ediz Gurel in the German Bundesliga 2024-25. The loss has propelled Gukesh into the position of the highest-rated Indian chess player, replacing Erigaisi, who has dropped two spots to fifth place in the live rankings.
Gukesh’s climb coincides with his stellar performance at the Chess Olympiad, where he earned the distinction of facing Ding Liren in the upcoming World Chess Championship. The World Chess Championship is scheduled to take place in Singapore from November 25th to December 13th, 2024.
The loss to Gurel resulted in a 7.3 Elo rating decrease for Arjun, who now sits in fifth place with a live rating of 2789.9. Another Indian chess legend, five-time former World Champion Viswanathan Anand, holds the 10th position in the rankings with a 2751.0 rating.
Gukesh’s rise to World No. 4 demonstrates the continued strength and potential of Indian chess on the global stage. With the World Chess Championship on the horizon, all eyes are on Gukesh as he looks to make his mark against some of the world’s best chess players.
