Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has created history by winning his first Grand Chess Tour (GCT) title. The 21-year-old defeated American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana in a dramatic final at the Saint Louis Chess Club after producing a remarkable comeback.
Praggnanandhaa entered the final day six points behind Caruana. However, he quickly turned the contest in his favour by winning both rapid games. Those two victories gave the Indian grandmaster a two-point lead heading into the blitz games.
Caruana responded in the first two blitz games. The opening game ended in a draw, while the American won the second game to bring the overall score level at 12-12.
Praggnanandhaa once again took control in the third blitz game, defeating Caruana to move ahead 14-12. With only a draw required in the final game, the Indian grandmaster remained composed and secured the result he needed.
The final draw completed a stunning turnaround as Praggnanandhaa won the match 15-13. The victory earned him $200,000 in prize money and made him the first Indian to lift the Grand Chess Tour title.
His victory has also secured his place in next year’s Grand Chess Tour, where he will line up alongside Caruana and American grandmaster Wesley So.
Speaking after the match, Praggnanandhaa said he did not expect to have many opportunities when the day began. He highlighted his two rapid victories over Caruana as a key moment, noting that beating the American even once is a difficult task.
The Chennai-born grandmaster is coached by five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. Praggnanandhaa’s latest success adds to a remarkable 2026 season.
Earlier this year, he became the first Indian to win the Norway Chess tournament. He also defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen twice during that event, further strengthening his reputation as one of India’s brightest chess stars.
