In 39 moves, R Praggnanandhaa did what many dream of, defeat Magnus Carlsen, again. At the 2025 Las Vegas Chess Grand Slam Tour, the 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster humbled the Norwegian legend in classical format, reminding the world that Carlsen’s biggest modern threat wears the tricolour.
This wasn’t an isolated spark, it’s now a pattern. India, once just a chess-loving nation, is fast becoming Carlsen’s recurring problem. From Praggnanandhaa to Gukesh to teen blitz whiz Aarit Kapil, Indian minds are consistently unsettling the Norwegian machine.
Pragg’s 39-Move Masterclass
In their highly anticipated clash at the FTX Crypto Cup, R Praggnanandhaa dismantled Carlsen’s defences in just 39 moves. With white pieces, Pragg pressed from the start, gaining space and initiative, and refused to let go.
“It felt smooth today, but with Magnus, nothing ever is easy,” said Pragg after the match.
This was far from his first strike. He had earlier defeated Carlsen in rapid formats, but this classical win, on a big stage, felt definitive.
Aarit Kapil’s Blitz Draw Raised Eyebrows
Just a few months ago, in an online blitz match streamed globally, 9-year-old Aarit Kapil shocked the chess world by drawing against Carlsen, despite being outrated by over 800 Elo points.
The fearless Indian prodigy even launched an early kingside attack, forcing Carlsen to settle for a half-point. Analysts called it a “psychological dent.”
“He played like he didn’t care who was sitting opposite,” one commentator said. “Carlsen was surprised by the courage.”
Carlsen’s Subtle Taunts: Signs of Cracks?
While Carlsen has often praised Indian chess growth, his tone hasn’t always been warm. After losing to Gukesh and Pragg in 2023–24, he sarcastically remarked:
“They all play like computers now. Do they even sleep?”
And after being forced into a draw by a 9-year-old in an exhibition blitz, he muttered off-camera:
“At this rate, I’ll need therapy after every Indian game.”
Whether jest or frustration, one thing is clear: India is in his head.
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Not Just One: Gukesh, Arjun, Nihal All in the Mix
D Gukesh, currently World No. 5, famously defeated Carlsen in a classical game at the 2023 Aimchess Rapid.
Arjun Erigaisi beat Carlsen in rapid format at the 2022 Tata Steel India blitz.
Nihal Sarin has held him to multiple draws across formats.
India doesn’t just have one nemesis for Magnus, it has a battalion.
The Psychological Edge Has Shifted
Magnus Carlsen, once the most untouchable force in world chess, now has a recurring nightmare and it speaks fluent Hindi and Tamil.
From bold openings to fearless endgames, Indian kids no longer play with awe — they play with intent.
And that may be the scariest thing Carlsen has ever faced on 64 squares.
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