Why Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is Now More Dangerous Than Magnus Carlsen

Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay hails the 20-year-old’s historic Norway Chess victory as a turning point that establishes him as the world's most formidable chess player.

The landscape of elite international chess has shifted significantly following Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa’s stunning performance in Oslo. By securing the Norway Chess title—a feat no other Indian has achieved in the tournament’s 14-year history—the 20-year-old has moved beyond mere promise to become a dominant force. For veteran Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, this performance marks a definitive transition, with Thipsay asserting that the youngster is currently a more dangerous player than the legendary Magnus Carlsen.

A Masterclass in Evolution

Thipsay’s assessment stems from the evolution of Praggnanandhaa’s playing style. While the prodigy was once feared primarily for his aggressive, tactical volatility, opponents had previously found ways to neutralize that singular approach. However, the recent tournament in Norway showcased a more complete repertoire. Thipsay noted that the Indian star has spent the last few months drastically improving his defensive resilience and positional understanding, making him a multifaceted threat that even the world’s best struggle to contain.

The victory was earned through a grueling final burst, where Praggnanandhaa clinched four consecutive wins in June. His path to the trophy was paved with victories over the sport's heavyweights, including five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, the young phenom Alireza Firouzja, and reigning world champion D Gukesh. By outclassing such high-caliber opposition, Praggnanandhaa has effectively signaled that he is currently the strongest player representing India on the world stage.

Beyond Wijk Aan Zee

For Praggnanandhaa, the magnitude of this win surpasses his earlier triumphs, including his success at the Tata Steel classical chess tournament. He emphasized that the average rating of the field in Norway made this victory significantly more challenging than other elite events. In his view, the absence of lower-rated players, combined with the presence of Carlsen, created an environment where only absolute precision could guarantee a top finish.

While Praggnanandhaa celebrated his form, the tournament proved to be a difficult outing for other Indian contenders. World champion D Gukesh struggled to find his rhythm, finishing in sixth place. In the women’s segment, veteran Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh also faced a challenging field, ending the competition at the bottom of the standings. This disparity further underscores the unique nature of Praggnanandhaa’s current run, which has provided a much-needed morale boost for Indian chess enthusiasts.

The New Global Standard

Thipsay’s bold claim—that the youngster is more dangerous than Carlsen—reflects the shifting momentum in top-tier chess. As Praggnanandhaa continues to integrate tactical accuracy with a newfound strategic depth, the gap between him and his peers is widening. Having overcome a somewhat inconsistent 2025, the 20-year-old’s ability to thrive under the intense pressure of a super-elite tournament suggests that his peak years may just be beginning.