Indian chess prodigy Arjun Erigiasi has made history by becoming only the second Indian Grandmaster to cross the prestigious 2800 Elo rating mark. In a remarkable performance at the European Club Cup, Arjun defeated GM Dmitry Andreikin, pushing his rating to an impressive 2802.1 Elo. This achievement has catapulted Arjun to World No. 3 in live chess rankings, solidifying his position among the global elite.
Following in Viswanathan Anand footsteps
Arjun’s remarkable rise places him in the esteemed company of Viswanathan Anand, India’s five-time World Chess Champion. Anand was the first Indian to break the 2800 barrier, achieving this feat back in April 2008, when he became World No. 1 with a rating of 2803 Elo. Arjun now follows in his legendary footsteps, further strengthening India’s standing in the world of chess.
FIDE CEO Congratulates Arjun Erigaisi
Arjun’s historic achievement has been widely celebrated in the global chess community. Emil Sutovsky, CEO of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), expressed his admiration for the young Grandmaster. In a congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter), Sutovsky wrote, “A real milestone. A few years passed since anyone crossed 2800 for the first time. All in all, just 15 players crossed it in live ratings and even less in the official FIDE list. Arjun does it in an impressive style.”
Consistent Rise through ranks
Arjun’s journey to the 2800 club has been nothing short of remarkable. Earlier this month, he reached a peak rating of 2797 Elo. His continued success in the European Club tournament added 5.1 rating points, pushing him past the 2800 threshold. This rapid rise has been a testament to his skill and dedication, as he gained 66 Elo points in just seven months, elevating his global rank from 30th to 3rd between November last year and July.
Bright Future for Indian Chess
Arjun Erigiasi’s rise to the 2800 Elo rating mark not only highlights his immense talent but also signals a promising future for Indian chess.