Indian chess star Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has made big news by winning the FIDE Circuit 2025, which gives him a direct entry into the 2026 Candidates Tournament. This is one of the most important events in chess, where the winner gets a chance to fight for the World Championship. His achievement shows how far he has come in his career and also highlights India’s growing strength in world chess. Adding to the pride, his sister Vaishali Rameshbabu has also qualified for the Women’s Candidates Tournament, making them a rare brother-sister duo in chess history.
Winning the FIDE Circuit 2025
The FIDE Circuit is a year-long competition where players earn points by performing well in different tournaments. Praggnanandhaa showed great skill and consistency throughout the year, defeating many top players. By finishing first in the circuit, he secured one of the eight seats in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which decides who will challenge the World Champion.
This win is special because Praggnanandhaa is the only Indian male player to qualify for the Candidates. He will face some of the world’s strongest players like Fabiano Caruana, Ding Liren, and Anish Giri. His entry also raises the possibility of an all-Indian clash, since the current World Champion is D. Gukesh.
Recognition and Impact
Praggnanandhaa’s success has been celebrated across India. Business leader Gautam Adani called him “Unstoppable. Unbreakable. World-Class,” showing how proud the nation is of his achievement. The fact that both Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali have qualified for the Candidates is historic, making them one of the most unique sibling pairs in chess.
On the global stage, his qualification proves India’s growing power in chess. Alongside stars like Gukesh, Vaishali, Humpy Koneru, and Divya Deshmukh, India now has a strong presence in both men’s and women’s tournaments.
Why It Matters
Praggnanandhaa’s journey from a young talent to a world-class player shows how Indian chess has grown in the last decade. His success is not just personal - it reflects the efforts of coaches, academies, and the chess community in India.
The 2026 Candidates Tournament will be a turning point. If Praggnanandhaa wins, he could face Gukesh for the World Championship title. This would be a historic moment, with two Indians competing for the highest crown in chess. It would also prove that India has unmatched depth and talent in the sport.
Final Words
By winning the FIDE Circuit 2025, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has secured his place in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, marking a proud moment for Indian chess. His success, along with his sister Vaishali’s qualification, shows that India is no longer just participating but leading in world chess. As the Candidates Tournament approaches, fans around the world will be watching Praggnanandhaa closely to see if he can take the next big step toward becoming World Champion.
