In a country where the crack of a cricket bat echoes louder than almost anything else, and football slowly carves a loyal following, there lies a quiet, strategic art that was born in this very land — chess. For decades, this ancient Indian gift to the world existed in shadows, appreciated by purists, occasionally celebrated through figures like Viswanathan Anand, but rarely enjoying the mass hysteria that cricket or even Bollywood commands.

But something extraordinary happened in 2020.

In the midst of a global lockdown that brought stadiums to silence and theatres to darkness, India rediscovered its own intellectual treasure. From dimly lit living rooms to global online platforms, chess found a new identity — cool, competitive, community-driven, and viral. And in this transformation, stand-up comedians, teenage prodigies, and the sheer magic of the digital age played a pivotal role.

This is the story of how chess went from dusty school cupboards and Sunday newspaper columns to front-page headlines, and how India is now witnessing a chess revolution it should have led long ago.

The Forgotten Crown Jewel: Chess's Indian Roots

It’s a little-known fact to many modern Indians, but chess—originally called "Chaturanga"—was born in India around the 6th century AD. From royal courts to battlefields, this intellectual game was not merely entertainment; it was a simulation of strategy and warfare. Over centuries, it travelled from India to Persia, the Arab world, and Europe, evolving into the modern game we now know.

It was Viswanathan Anand, the “Lightning Kid” from Chennai, who first put India on the modern chess map. With his 5 World Championship titles, Anand became a symbol of what Indian minds could achieve with structure and support. But even Anand’s reign couldn't push chess into the mass entertainment category. Not in a cricket-crazed nation.

Until… the world went into lockdown.

COVID-19: The Unexpected Catalyst

The year 2020 will go down in history for many reasons — global disruption, isolation, and uncertainty. But for chess, it marked a rebirth. While most sports struggled to survive, chess adapted almost seamlessly to the online space. Its intrinsic nature — quiet, turn-based, and reliant on mental prowess rather than physical gatherings — made it a perfect lockdown sport.

And then came an unexpected twist.

While top grandmasters like Vidit Gujrathi and Tania Sachdev were exploring online tournaments, a group of Indian stand-up comedians led by Samay Raina stumbled into the chess world. What started as a casual streaming experiment turned into a cultural movement.

The “Samay Raina Effect”: Chess Becomes Entertainment

"The game is beautiful, it was just not marketed in the right way," says Samay Raina, who began streaming chess on YouTube in early 2020. With wit, relatable humour, and an authentic love for the game, he made the 64 squares interesting even for those who never cared before.

It wasn't just about watching elite chess. It was about making chess accessible, fun, and — surprisingly — spectator-worthy.

One iconic moment: Vidit Gujrathi playing blindfolded against Alexandra Botez on three boards simultaneously during a YouTube live stream. Over 20,000 viewers tuned in — numbers comparable to a packed domestic cricket match. Who would have thought?

This hybrid of comedy, commentary, and elite chess drew in thousands, then lakhs. Suddenly, chess had a fanbase — one that didn’t just revere its players but celebrated them. Much like what cricket saw in the 1980s.

He was right. His success inspired a wave of content creators, gamers, and casual fans, transforming chess into a cool, mainstream passion.

Meet the New Kings and Queens of Indian Chess

Viswanathan Anand

Age: 55
Title: Grandmaster, 5-time World Champion
Current Role: FIDE Deputy President

Profile:
The man who started it all. Vishy Anand is not just India’s first chess superstar—he’s the architect of modern Indian chess. Though he now plays selectively, his mentorship, vision, and leadership continue to influence every rising Indian star. If Indian chess is now a global powerhouse, Anand is its founding father.

MALE PLAYERS

• D Gukesh

Age: 18
Title: Grandmaster
Notable Achievements:

• Youngest-ever FIDE World Chess Champion (2024)

• Gold Medalist – 2024 Chess Olympiad

• Recipient of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

Profile:
Gukesh is India’s new chess poster boy—a teenage prodigy who dethroned the best and became the youngest world champion ever. Calm, clinical, and always calculating, Gukesh’s maturity on the board defies his age. He has already reshaped India’s chess narrative, and his journey is just beginning. A torchbearer for a generation.

• R Praggnanandhaa

Age: 19
Title: Grandmaster
Notable Achievements:

• Runner-up – FIDE World Cup 2023

• Winner – UzChess Cup 2024

• World No. 4 (Live Ratings)

• India’s No. 1 Ranked Player

• Sibling to WGM/IM Vaishali Rameshbabu

Profile:
Praggnanandhaa—Pragg to fans—is a household name today. After defeating Magnus Carlsen multiple times in online and classical formats, the Chennai-born prodigy has become a national icon. With an analytical brilliance matched only by his humility, he’s a symbol of the chess boom that’s sweeping through India.

• Arjun Erigaisi

Age: 21
Title: Grandmaster
Notable Achievements:

• Winner – Tata Steel Chess India 2025

• Gold Medalist – 2024 Chess Olympiad

• One of the world's top 10 players

• Blitz rating over 2800

Profile:
Arjun combines consistency with flair. He’s a quiet storm on the board and a tactical mastermind. Having risen rapidly through the ranks, he’s now India’s most reliable scorer in team tournaments. Backed by performance and personality, Arjun is positioning himself as a future world title contender.

• Nihal Sarin

Age: 20
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Often described as the “speed demon” of Indian chess, Nihal excels in rapid and blitz formats. A child prodigy who became GM at 14, he’s now a seasoned campaigner known for his resilience under pressure. With nerves of steel and a sharp tactical eye, Nihal is lethal across all time formats.

• Iniyan Panneerselvam (Iniyan Pa)

Age: 22
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Iniyan’s journey from Erode, Tamil Nadu to international tournaments is a story of grit and perseverance. Known for his deep preparation and aggressive style, Iniyan is part of India’s new wave of self-made chess warriors.

• Raja Rithvik R

Age: 20
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Hailing from Telangana, Rithvik has quietly climbed the ranks, earning praise for his positional depth and consistency. He’s not the flashiest, but his strategic clarity and disciplined approach make him a formidable presence in knockout formats.

• S.L. Narayanan

Age: 26
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Kerala’s chess star, S.L. Narayanan is an all-rounder with experience in high-stakes tournaments. He’s been a rock in Indian team events and continues to deliver when it matters. Reliable and technically sound, he is a stabilising force in any tournament setting.

• M Pranesh

Age: 17
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
One of the youngest GMs in the country, Pranesh is still flying under the radar compared to the likes of Pragg and Gukesh—but his raw talent and rapid improvement are making waves. A breakout tournament could turn him into a headline act.

• G B Harshavardhan

Age: Unknown (young, upcoming talent)
Title: International Master / Grandmaster-elect

Profile:
Part of the rising southern Indian chess scene, Harshavardhan’s methodical and strategic play has earned him recognition at youth and continental levels. He's another name to watch as India’s talent bench deepens.

• Karthikeyan Murali

Age: 25
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Twice National Champion and known for his aggressive flair, Karthikeyan is one of India’s most entertaining players. He has a knack for delivering knockout blows, making him dangerous in short-match formats like the World Cup.

• Karthik Venkataraman

Age: 24
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Karthik has shown great consistency in national and Asian circuits. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, he is calm, composed, and technically grounded—an ideal style for knockout chess.

• Surya Sekhar Ganguly

Age: 41
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
A veteran of the game, Surya Sekhar Ganguly was part of Anand’s world championship preparation team. A master of classical and rapid chess, Ganguly brings gravitas, mentorship, and a sharp game sense that never dulls with age.

• Neelash Saha

Age: 22
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
From Kolkata, Neelash Saha’s game is characterized by creative play and bold decisions. He’s one of the newer GMs looking to break into the elite circle through international exposure.

• Diptayan Ghosh

Age: 27
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
A veteran in youth and junior circuits, Diptayan is an aggressive player with a never-say-die spirit. He has represented India in numerous international events and is known for his deep opening repertoire.

• Aronyak Ghosh

Age: 22
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Aronyak is part of Bengal’s talented new generation. His play is balanced and versatile, capable of switching styles depending on the opponent—an asset in knockout events like the World Cup.

• Himal Gusain

Age: 26
Title: International Master / GM-elect

Profile:
From Punjab, Gusain’s journey is inspirational for many state-level players. Known for consistent performances in domestic events, his focus is now on breaking through internationally.

• Lalit Rohit (Lalit Babu M R)

Age: 31
Title: Grandmaster

Profile:
Lalit Babu is a former Commonwealth Champion and seasoned international competitor. He’s no stranger to elite events and thrives under pressure, making him a key asset in team and knockout formats.

• Vidit Gujrathi

Age: 29
Title: Grandmaster

Notable Achievements:

• Former India No. 2

• Captain of Indian Olympiad team

• Popular chess content creator

• Represented India in multiple World Cups and Olympiads

Profile:
Vidit is one of the most polished and articulate ambassadors for Indian chess. Equally comfortable on the board and in front of a camera, he has helped popularize the game online while staying competitive internationally. His leadership qualities and sharp endgame technique make him a fan favorite.

FEMALE PLAYERS

• Divya Deshmukh

Age: 19
Title: International Master, WGM
Notable Achievements:

• First Indian to reach Women’s World Cup Final

• Qualified for FIDE Women’s Candidates 2026

• Multiple-time national champion

Profile:
Divya is a trailblazer. Fearless, tactical, and full of grit, she is leading the new generation of Indian women in chess. Her recent World Cup performance has made her a household name and a beacon of inspiration for young girls nationwide. She’s already a star—and she’s not done yet.

• Koneru Humpy

Age: 37
Title: Grandmaster
Notable Achievements:

• First Indian woman to reach World Cup semifinals

• FIDE Women’s Rapid Champion 2024

• Former World No. 2 in women’s rankings

Profile:
A pioneer in every sense, Humpy has carried Indian women’s chess on her shoulders for two decades. Her recent World Cup and Olympiad performances show she’s still at her peak—solid, stoic, and brilliant under pressure.

• R Vaishali

Age: 23
Title: IM, WGM
Notable Achievements:

• Bronze – FIDE Women’s Blitz 2024

• Gold – 2024 Olympiad with Indian Women’s Team

• Sister of R Praggnanandhaa

Profile:
Vaishali has stepped out of her brother’s shadow to shine in her own right. Known for her attacking play and sharp tactical instincts, she’s now an Olympiad gold medalist and a role model for aspiring female players across India.

• D Harika

Age: 33
Title: Grandmaster
Notable Achievements:

• Consistent World Cup performer

• Former World Championship semifinalist

• Asian Games medalist

Profile:
Harika is India’s most seasoned female warrior on the global stage. With multiple semifinal finishes and a cool, pragmatic style, she remains a formidable force in any elite tournament.

Social Media: The New Chessboard

Today, India has become a hub for online chess content. Grandmasters are no longer seen only at silent tournaments but also chatting live on YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram.

Chess memes, match reactions, and tactical breakdowns are regularly trending. Players like Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali have turned into digital celebrities. With brands and even esports organizations like S8UL signing top players, chess is enjoying the media exposure once reserved for cricketing gods.

Even politicians and celebrities have acknowledged the resurgence, celebrating wins and congratulating players with national pride.

Chess Gets the Celebrity Treatment

What cricket achieved through IPL and Bollywood-style fandom, chess is now beginning to match in its own intellectual way.

• Online Chess Streams draw millions of views.

• Players have massive fanbases on social media.

• Chess stars are endorsing brands, joining esports teams, and getting government recognition, including Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards.

• International commentators praise the “Indian chess wave”, and even mainstream media now covers matches, rivalries, and milestones.

In fact, chess is now being used in pop culture, education, mental health initiatives, and even influencer campaigns. What once felt niche now feels inevitable.

Why This Boom Matters

India’s chess revolution is not just a trend — it’s a cultural reawakening. A generation is reclaiming the legacy of chaturanga. This surge has:

• Democratised chess through free content and platforms

• Given rise to a sustainable talent pipeline

• Created a viewer market strong enough to support leagues, sponsors, and scholarships

• Sparked a gender-inclusive wave, with women achieving unprecedented success

• Made India the chess capital of the world once again

The Road Ahead

With the kind of momentum we’re seeing, India could very well dominate global chess across all categories by the end of this decade. But to make this sustainable, we need:

• Structured Chess Leagues akin to IPL

• Corporate Sponsorship for events and academies

• Media Coverage beyond major tournaments

• Government support for grassroots programs

• Inclusion in schools as a core mental sport

The seeds are sown. The tree is growing. Now, it’s time for India to give chess the spotlight it always deserved — not as an alternative to cricket or football, but as a parallel national pride.

A Checkmate of Cultural Revival

India once gave the world chess. Now, it’s giving the game a second life.

The lockdown of 2020 was the ignition, Samay Raina and his tribe were the spark, and a young army of grandmasters became the fire. Together, they have turned chess into a mass sport, a cultural phenomenon, and a symbol of national pride.

Cricket and football may still dominate stadiums, but on digital boards and in the minds of millions, chess has finally earned its seat at the table, not just as a game of intellect, but as a true passion of India.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Vygr’s views.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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