Vijay Hails Praggnanandhaa After Grand Chess Tour Title Win

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has congratulated R Praggnanandhaa after the Indian grandmaster won the Grand Chess Tour 2026 title in St. Louis, USA. Praggnanandhaa defeated Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in the title clash on Thursday, completing a comeback after trailing 3-9 following the two classical games.

In a message posted by the official X handle of the CMO Tamil Nadu, Vijay described the achievement as a historic milestone. The post said Praggnanandhaa had become the first Indian to win the champion’s title at the Grand Chess Tour 2026, and praised the young grandmaster’s performance against leading players.

The victory was especially notable because of the scoreline at the end of the classical phase. Praggnanandhaa began the faster portion of the contest six points behind, but overturned that deficit through the rapid and blitz games to secure the overall title.

From a 3-9 deficit to a 15-13 title win

Caruana held a 9-3 lead after the first two classical games, leaving Praggnanandhaa with a substantial gap to close. The Indian responded immediately in the first rapid game, winning 4-0. He followed that with another 4-0 win in the second rapid game, moving in front at 11-9.

The contest remained close during the blitz section. The first blitz game was drawn, taking the aggregate score to 12-10. Caruana then won the second blitz game to level the match again and extend the drama of the final.

Praggnanandhaa regained the advantage by winning the third rapid game, which put him 14-12 ahead. He then drew the final game to close out a 15-13 victory and claim the Grand Chess Tour 2026 crown.

The finale featured four players: Praggnanandhaa, Wesley So, Fabiano Caruana and Vincent Keymer. It was held from August 22 to 27 and brought together the finalists from the six-event Grand Chess Tour season.

That 2026 schedule included Super Rapid and Blitz Poland, Super Chess Classic Romania, Super Rapid and Blitz Croatia, St Louis Rapid and Blitz, the Sinquefield Cup and the Grand Chess Tour Finals. Praggnanandhaa earned his place in the Finals through his performances in the preceding events.

At the Sinquefield Cup, Praggnanandhaa finished as the leading point-getter alongside So, with both players on 5.5. His result there, combined with his victory at the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz competition, secured his Finals berth.

Chief Minister’s message recognises historic achievement

Vijay’s message called the title a recognition of Praggnanandhaa’s “extraordinary talent and unwavering perseverance.” The Chief Minister’s office said the grandmaster had competed against the world’s top players with mental fortitude and strategic brilliance.

The message also highlighted the wider significance of the win for Tamil Nadu and India. It said the triumph would offer hope and inspiration to younger generations while bringing pride to the state and the country.

Vijay extended his best wishes to Praggnanandhaa for future milestones on the global stage. For the grandmaster, the result stands as a defining recovery in the title match: from 3-9 down after the classical games to a 15-13 finish after a sequence of rapid and blitz contests.