January 23, 2025: In a remarkable achievement, world champion D Gukesh has climbed to the pinnacle of Indian chess rankings, surpassing compatriot Arjun Erigaisi to secure the No. 4 spot in the latest FIDE Rankings. The 18-year-old’s ascent was confirmed on Thursday, January 23, following his second win in the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, where he defeated Germany’s Vincent Keymer.

Gukesh, who recently received the prestigious Khel Ratna award, now boasts an impressive 2784 rating points. Meanwhile, Erigaisi, who held the distinction of being the highest-ranked Indian for an extended period, slipped to fifth place with 2779.5 rating points.

Erigaisi’s career milestones remain noteworthy. He reached a peak rating of 2801, making him only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to cross the 2800 threshold. This achievement also placed the 21-year-old among the top 15 highest-rated players in chess history. However, recent performances have posed challenges for Erigaisi. His campaign at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York ended without a Candidates berth, and his struggles have continued at the ongoing Tata Steel Masters, where he has managed just one point so far.

Globally, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen retains his dominance as the world No. 1 with 2832.5 points. He is followed by the United States’ Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and Fabiano Caruana (2798).

Gukesh’s rise not only highlights his potential but also signals a new era in Indian chess, with young talents continuing to make their mark on the international stage.