Praggnanandhaa is more dangerous than Magnus Carlsen: GM Thipsay

Fresh off becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Norway Chess title, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has earned a glowing endorsement from veteran Grandmaster and Dronacharya awardee Pravin Thipsay.

Thipsay believes that Praggnanandhaa is currently India's strongest chess player and, on present form, a more dangerous opponent than even World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.

Speaking to PTI after Praggnanandhaa's triumph in Stavanger, Thipsay said that the 20-year-old had emerged as one of the toughest players to face in world chess.

"Praggnanandhaa is the best Indian chess player right now. On current form, he can be considered one of the most dangerous opponents in the world, even more dangerous than Carlsen," Thipsay said.

The veteran coach pointed to Praggnanandhaa's recent success against Carlsen, arguing that very few players have managed to consistently challenge the Norwegian in recent years.

Praggnanandhaa capped off a remarkable week by becoming the first Indian to win Norway Chess, one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar. The youngster sealed the title after winning his final four rounds against opponents rated above 2750, including victories over Carlsen and reigning world champion D. Gukesh.

"What a great comeback. After a somewhat disappointing 2025, he has produced something truly extraordinary. Indian chess needed a performance like this," Thipsay added.

THIPSAY EXPLAINS CARLSEN COMPARISON

For Thipsay, the biggest takeaway from Praggnanandhaa's rise has been his ability to consistently beat elite opposition.

The former India player said that while Carlsen remains the World No. 1, Praggnanandhaa's recent performances have made him one of the most feared players on the circuit.

Thipsay also rated Praggnanandhaa as India's strongest player at the moment, placing him ahead of Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi on current form.

According to him, the Norway Chess triumph was among the finest achievements by an Indian player in recent years, particularly because of the quality of opponents Praggnanandhaa defeated on his way to the title.

THE EVOLUTION OF PRAGGNANANDHAA

Thipsay believes the biggest reason behind Praggnanandhaa's success has been the transformation of his game over the last few years.

Once regarded primarily as a sharp attacking player who relied heavily on opening preparation, Praggnanandhaa has evolved into a far more complete competitor capable of excelling in all kinds of positions.

"Three or four years ago, he was feared for his attacking chess. But opponents gradually learned how to neutralise those strengths. Over the last few months, he has added new dimensions to his game, including improved defence, positional understanding and tactical accuracy," Thipsay explained.

The veteran Grandmaster compared Praggnanandhaa's development to players such as former world champion Anatoly Karpov and Carlsen, who built their success on consistency and superior understanding rather than solely on opening advantages.

Thipsay also backed Praggnanandhaa as one of India's leading contenders for the world title, alongside Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi.

"It's very important to maintain form for a long period. Like Kasparov was the strongest, highest-rated player in the world for 18 years. If our youngsters gain that sort of consistency rather than producing singular performances, then it would really be great," he said.

Former Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua also praised Praggnanandhaa's achievement, calling the Norway Chess title a major milestone in the youngster's career.

Barua, however, stressed that Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh and Arjun are all operating at a similar level and continue to drive each other forward.

"The competition between them is bringing out the best in all three. Sometimes Arjun will win, sometimes Praggnanandhaa, sometimes Gukesh. We are witnessing a golden era for Indian chess," Barua said.