Warangal: A Grandmaster’s Journey to Success
Arjun Erigaisi, Telangana’s first Grandmaster, has grown from a young chess prodigy to an internationally recognized player. While his youthful appearance now includes a moustache, one thing hasn’t changed — his relentless hunger for success. Since making headlines in 2018, Arjun has steadily climbed the ranks of the chess world. As of November 30, his live Elo rating in classical chess stands at an impressive 2800.9, placing him in the elite 2800+ club alongside Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura.
Although players like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa have often been in the spotlight, Arjun’s rapid rise has made him impossible to overlook. His setbacks in 2023 only fueled his determination, and he gained nearly 90 rating points within a year. Known for his dedication, some even call him the “madman” of chess, as Arjun’s passion for the game seems boundless.
Breaking the 2800 Elo rating mark has brought Arjun widespread acclaim. Despite his success on the global stage, his visits to his hometown, Warangal, have been rare in recent years. On Saturday, the chess community and numerous schoolchildren gathered at Kaloji Kalakshetram to celebrate Arjun’s achievements. The event was a joyous occasion, as the local community honored one of their own.
Hanumakonda District Collector P Pravinya expressed hope that Arjun’s accomplishments would inspire children to excel in their chosen fields. “Arjun’s presence could do a world of good to the children if they draw inspiration from him,” she said during the felicitation ceremony.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Warangal West MLA Naini Rajender Reddy, MP K Kavya, and members of the Telangana Chess Association. Arjun’s first coach, Bollam Sampath, was also present, along with Chess Network coordinator Sudheer Babu and other key representatives, to congratulate the young Grandmaster on his remarkable achievements.
