D Gukesh becomes highest-ranked Indian Chess player at World no. 4

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has scaled new heights, becoming the highest-ranked Indian chess player at world No. 4 in the latest FIDE rankings, surpassing compatriot Arjun Erigaisi.

This marks another milestone in the meteoric rise of the 18-year-old Grandmaster.

Gukesh achieved this feat by logging his second victory at the prestigious Tata Steel Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

With a rating of 2784, Gukesh now sits among the elite, while Erigaisi has slipped to fifth with 2779.5 points.

Norwegian legend Magnus Carlsen remains at the top with 2832.5 points, followed by American Grandmasters Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and Fabiano Caruana (2798).

Gukesh has been in phenomenal form since claiming the world championship title in Singapore last December, where he defeated China's Ding Liren. His recent exploits come after a brief break from competitive play, during which he attended celebratory events in India following his Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award win.

On his return, Gukesh has shown remarkable consistency, remaining unbeaten in Wijk Aan Zee with two wins and three draws so far in the tournament. With eight rounds remaining, he is poised to achieve even more.

This historic rise cements Gukesh’s place as a torchbearer for Indian chess and underscores his potential to challenge for the top spot in the near future.