Pranav Venkatesh Becomes World Junior Chess Champion

India has a new reason to celebrate in the world of chess! Grandmaster Pranav Venkatesh has won the title of World Junior Chess Champion, and he has added his name to the list of Indian chess greats. At just 18 years old, Pranav has conquered the world stage, proving that India continues to dominate the 64 squares.

A New Star on the Chessboard

Born in Bengaluru, Pranav started playing chess at an early age. He trained at various academies, including the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), founded by the legendary Viswanathan Anand. His journey to becoming a World Junior Chess Champion wasn’t easy, but with hard work and perseverance, he made it to the top.

How Pranav Won the Championship

The 2025 World Junior Chess Champion title was decided in Petrovac, Montenegro. Pranav dominated the tournament, scoring 9 points out of a possible 11. He played against top grandmasters from 63 countries and remained unbeaten throughout the competition. His final game, a draw against Matic Lavrencic, secured his victory.

The Anand Connection

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has been a guiding force in Pranav’s career. He personally mentored Pranav at WACA and helped him refine his skills. Anand praised Pranav, saying, “He’s just gifted. He finds resources in difficult positions, making him a tough player to beat.” This support helped Pranav regain momentum during tough times and become the World Junior Chess Champion.

Magnus Carlsen’s ‘Buddy’

Even World No.1 Magnus Carlsen has noticed Pranav’s talent. In 2023, Pranav played for Carlsen’s team, Offerspill Sjakklubb, at the European Club Cup. He won a crucial match that helped the team win the championship. Carlsen even tweeted, “Pranav is buddy, and buddy is Pranav.” This light-hearted praise from one of the greatest chess players is proof of Pranav’s growing reputation.

Pranav’s Other Big Wins

Becoming the World Junior Chess Champion is just one of Pranav’s many achievements. He has also:

• Won the Challengers event at the Chennai Grand Masters 2024.
• Claimed double gold at the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2024.
• Defeated Magnus Carlsen in an online chess game!

The Future of Indian Chess

Pranav Venkatesh’s victory is a proud moment for India. He joins legends like Viswanathan Anand, D Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa, proving that India is becoming a global chess powerhouse. With young talents like Pranav emerging, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever!

A Message for Young Chess Players

If you dream of becoming a World Junior Chess Champion like Pranav, start early, practice daily, and learn from every game. Chess is not just about winning; it’s about strategy, patience, and persistence. Who knows? The next Indian chess champion could be YOU!