At just 21 years old, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has already cemented his place among the elite in the chess world. Making his debut at Norway Chess 2025 as the World No. 4, Arjun brings a mix of youthful ambition and extraordinary skill to the table, promising an electrifying performance in Stavanger.

Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

A Star on the Rise

Arjun’s journey to the top has been nothing short of phenomenal. His breakout year began in 2022, when he clinched several high-profile victories. In January, he won the prestigious Tata Steel Chess Challengers, and by March he was crowned the Indian National Champion. That summer, he dominated the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, showcasing his ability to thrive in various formats. To cap off the year, Arjun claimed victory at the Tata Steel Chess India Blitz, solidifying his reputation as a rising star.

The momentum carried over into 2023, where Arjun continued to impress. In March, he emerged as the outright winner of the Sharjah Masters, and later in the year he dreached the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Arjun’s remarkable achievements have earned him recognition beyond the chessboard. He was honored with the TOISA Chess Player of the Year (2021) and the Sportstar Emerging Hero Award (2023), accolades that underscore his growing influence in the chess community.

A Historic 2024

In 2024, Arjun reached new heights. He began the year with victories at the Menorca Open A, the Stepan Avagyan Memorial, and the WR Chess Masters Cup in London, proving his consistency and dominance in competitive play.

In September, Arjun led Team India to gold at the Chess Olympiad, delivering a standout performance on board three with a breathtaking rating performance of 2968. This remarkable showing also earned him an individual gold medal.

The same month, Arjun became India’s top-rated player, reaching a career-high live rating of 2801 in December. By crossing the prestigious 2800 threshold, he joined an elite club of players and became only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to achieve this feat.

Reflecting on his style and growth, Arjun remarked, “I used to lose games because of over-ambition and a lack of objectivity, but now I strive to channel my ambition in a balanced way.”

Excitement for Norway Chess

As anticipation builds for Norway Chess 2025, Arjun expressed his enthusiasm about the event’s innovative format. “There are a lot of exciting things about Norway Chess, but for me, I would say the time control and Armageddon format stand out the most to me,” he said.

The tournament’s founder, Kjell Madland, highlighted the significance of Arjun’s participation: “Hosting a player of Arjun’s caliber is a privilege. His dynamic style and incredible achievements perfectly align with the spirit of Norway Chess.”

What Lies Ahead

Anticipation is high to see how this young GM performs against the world’s best. With his ambitious style, Arjun is poised to make a significant impact in Stavanger.