Arjun Erigaisi was born on September 3, 2003, in Warangal, Telangana, into a Telugu family. His father, a neurosurgeon, and mother, a housewife, supported his interest in chess from a young age. Arjun began studying chess at the BS Chess Academy in Hanamkonda, where his talent was nurtured. He earned  the title of grandmaster at just 14 years,

Arjun Erigaisi's Stellar Chess Career
Arjun Erigaisi's chess career is marked by numerous achievements, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Some of his notable highlights include winning a silver medal at the Asian Youth Championship in 2015, becoming the first Indian to qualify for the Goldmoney Asian Rapid tournament in 2021, and securing victories in prestigious events like the Tata Steel Chess Tournament's Challengers section in 2022. 

He also won the 58th MPL National Championship of India in 2022, claiming the title of Indian National Champion. Additionally, Arjun triumphed at the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival in 2022 with an impressive performance rating of 2893. His outstanding performance at the Chess Olympiad, where he scored 10 points in 11 rounds and earned an individual gold medal, was instrumental in India's historic win

FIDE Rankings: A Benchmark for Indian Chess Players
The FIDE ranking system, governed by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) or World Chess Federation, plays a crucial role in Indian chess. It provides a standardized method to evaluate the skill levels of players, including Indians, based on their performance in tournaments. For Indian chess players, FIDE rankings serve as a benchmark to measure their progress, set goals, and strive for excellence.

In India, FIDE rankings have become increasingly important as the country produces talented players like Viswanathan Anand, D. Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi, who have made a mark globally. A high FIDE rating can open doors to prestigious tournaments, sponsorships, and recognition, motivating Indian players to work harder and improve their game.

The FIDE ranking system also helps Indian chess administrators and coaches identify talented players and provide them with the necessary support and training to excel. By tracking FIDE ratings, Indian chess enthusiasts can follow the progress of their favorite players and anticipate their potential participation in major tournaments.

Becoming India's No. 1
Arjun Erigaisi's journey to becoming India's No. 1 chess player is a reflection of his hard work and dedication. He overtook D. Gukesh, the current world champion, in the June FIDE rankings. Erigaisi's Elo rating of 2782 places him third globally, while Gukesh ranks fifth with 2776 points. Despite Gukesh's impressive performance in the Candidates Tournament and his historic win at the 2024 World Chess Championship, a poor run at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament affected his ratings.

Norway Chess 2025 Performance
At the Norway Chess 2025, Magnus Carlsen dominated the tournament, winning it for a record seventh time. D. Gukesh secured third place with 14.5 points, while Arjun Erigaisi finished fifth with 13 points. Although Erigaisi's live rating dipped to 2778.6 post-tournament, it was enough to maintain his lead over Gukesh. As the new India No. 1, Arjun Erigaisi's future looks promising. With his consistent performance and growing rating, he is set to challenge global chess elites. The chess world will be watching closely as he competes in upcoming tournaments.