In an outstanding display of skill and determination, Indian Grandmaster Vidit Santosh Gujrathi achieved a remarkable victory over reigning world chess champion Magnus Carlsen. The thrilling encounter occurred during the recently concluded tournament, leaving the chess community in awe of Gujrathi’s achievement.
Pro Chess League, an online chess tournament, took place in February 2023, where teams worldwide participated. Vidit was among the highest-rated players on the team of Indian Yogis. Defeated by Vidit Gujrathi, Magnus Carlsen was playing for Canada Chessbrahs in the Pro Chess League.
Gujrathi’s triumph against the Norwegian maestro has marked a significant milestone in his career and garnered worldwide attention.
“It is an amazing feeling to defeat the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of chess and I couldn’t have asked for a better moment.”
—- Vidit Santosh Gujrathi
Vidit Gujrathi’s Personal Details
| Name | Vidit Santosh Gujrathi |
| Age (As of 2023) | 28 years |
| Date of Birth | 24 October 1994 |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Place of Birth | Nashik, Maharashtra, India |
| Hometown | Nashik, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Parents | Dr. Santosh Gujrathi
Dr. Nikita Santosh Gujrathi, |
| Profession | Indian Chess Grandmaster |
| Coaches
|
IM Anup Deshmukh
IM Roktim Bandopadhyay GM Alon Greenfeld (of Israel) GM Abhijit Kunte |
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi Notable Achievements
- Captain of India’s gold-medal-winning team in the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad 2020.
- Gained First position in the Grandmaster competition at the 2019 Biel Chess Festival.
- Runner-up in the Masters’ tournament at the 2020 Prague Chess Festival.
- Quarter-finalist in the 2019 FIDE World Fischer Random Chess Championship.
- Ranked 12th out of 154 in the 2019 FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament with a score of 7/11.
- Quarter-finalist in the 2021 FIDE World Cup.
Vidit Gujrathi’s Early Life and Chess Career
- Vidit began his chess coaching at a young age after finishing school, and in 2006, he finished second in the Asian Youth Championships in the U-12 category, earning the title of FIDE Master.
- He was named International Master in 2008 after winning the Velammal 45th National A Chess Championship in Chennai with 7 points out of 13.
- He became the first Indian to win the World Youth Championship in the Open U14 category the same year.
- Gujrathi obtained his first norm towards the rank of Grand Master in 2011 by finishing with 8 points out of 11 at the World Junior Chess Championship.
- Fravashi Academy has a significant role to play as far as Vidit Gujrathi’s education is concerned.
- Vidit Gujrathi, Chess Grandmaster, gained his first FIDE Master title in 2006.
- According to FIDE Chess Rankings 2023, Vidit Gujrathi is ranked as India’s No. 2 chess player, with 2730 ratings.
- Vidit has been trained and coached by various International Masters (IM) and Grand Masters (GM).
- He also became the 30th Indian player to become Grandmaster in 2013.
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi’s Triumph Raising India’s Prominence in Chess at Global Stage
The significance of Gujrathi’s success goes beyond individual victory. It demonstrates the rising popularity of Indian chess on the global level. Over the last decade, India has seen a boom in talented young chess players who have gained international success. Gujrathi’s victory over Carlsen proves that Indian players can compete at the top level and challenge the established chess elite.
Moreover, Gujrathi’s remarkable achievement has inspired a new generation of Indian chess fans. It serves as a reminder that through hard work, determination, and a love of the game, dreams can come true, and obstacles can be broken down. Gujrathi’s success would inspire young chess players nationwide to work hard and strive for perfection.
