Praggnanandhaa opens up on rivalry with world champion Gukesh: 'I started playing before him, was already stronger'

D Gukesh has shared a fierce rivalry with R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, the trio spearheading India’s meteoric rise in chess over the last couple of years. And while Gukesh capped off an incredible run in 2024 by becoming the youngest world champion in chess history, Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi have surged ahead of him this year, the two fighting it out for the top spot among Indians on the FIDE ratings.

The three Indian Grandmasters will be in action in the upcoming FIDE World Cup that takes place in Goa, India, where they are the top three seeds with world champion Gukesh at the top.

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Ahead of the prestigious event, which is taking place in India for only the second time in its 25-year history, Praggnanandhaa opened up on his rivalry with Gukesh, and how he was the “stronger” player at an early age. ‘Pragg’, however, added that while they are “ruthless” rivals on the board, they’re “normal guys” off it.

“I started playing before him. I was already stronger (in the game) when I was growing up in my age category. We played in some open events when we were young but nowadays we play a lot because we are at the top events and tournaments,” the 20-year-old, who is a few months older than Gukesh, told Curly Tales recently.

“When we are off the board, we are just normal guys,” he added.

Gukesh more of a ‘calculation-based’ player, says Praggnanandhaa

When asked to compare their playing styles, Praggnanandhaa described Gukesh as someone who’s more of a “calculation-based” player.

“He is more calculation-based, trying to find the truth in the position, and going deep into every possible continuation,” Praggnanandhaa continued.

“I also go deep into the position, but I have my intuition guiding me through the lines. And, I think I am a more technical player while he is more of an aggressive and calculation-based player,” he added.

‘Pragg’ had pulled off the biggest win of his career in February when he defeated Gukesh in tie-breaks to win the Tata Steel Chess in Netherlands, denying his compatriot a second consecutive title a little over a month after his World Championship triumph over Chinese GM Ding Liren in Singapore.

Praggnanandhaa is currently occupies the top spot in the 2025 FIDE Circuit, and will qualify for next year’s Candidates Tournament should he finish on top. He will, however, aim to secure his place in the prestigious tournament that takes place next year by finishing among the top three in the World Cup that takes place between 31 October and 27 November.