Arjun Erigaisi: The "Mad Man" of Indian Chess

Satyanarayan Mohapatra

Arjun Erigaisi, the "Mad Man" taking the chess world by storm

Arjun Erigaisi, a name that's been making waves in the chess world, is not your average grandmaster. Dubbed the "Mad Man" of chess by none other than Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion, Erigaisi is known for his aggressive style, relentless pursuit of victory, and uncanny ability to conjure magic on the chessboard.

Early beginnings and a teacher's vision

Born in 2003 in Warangal, Telangana, Erigaisi's journey began with casual games with friends. But it was his kindergarten teacher in Tirupathi who first recognized his exceptional potential. Observing his remarkable memory and grasping power, she suggested to his parents that chess could be a perfect outlet for his abilities.

A meteoric rise

At the age of 11, Erigaisi began formal training at the BS Chess Academy in Hanamkonda, later moving to the Race Academy in Warangal. His progress was nothing short of meteoric. By 14, he had achieved the coveted Grandmaster title, joining the ranks of India's "golden generation" of chess prodigies alongside D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Nihal Sarin.

Mentors and idols

Erigaisi's journey has been shaped by several influential mentors. He has trained with GM Victor Mikhalevski of Israel, compatriot Srinath Narayanan, and is currently under the guidance of former FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov, who has previously coached chess giants like Viswanathan Anand and Fabiano Caruana. Erigaisi draws inspiration from legendary figures like Garry Kasparov and his own countryman, Viswanathan Anand, both of whom he aspires to emulate in his quest for the World Championship title.

Recent triumphs

Erigaisi's recent performances have solidified his position as one of the world's top chess players. In the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, he achieved a remarkable feat, winning his first six games consecutively – a streak reminiscent of Bobby Fischer's legendary run in 1971. His stellar performance in the Olympiad, where he remained undefeated and secured an individual gold medal, has propelled him to the third position in the world rankings.

The Road Ahead

With his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and "mad man" approach to the game, Arjun Erigaisi is poised to become a dominant force in the world of chess. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and the unwavering support of mentors and family. As he continues to conquer new heights, the chess world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the next chapter in the remarkable story of this young Indian prodigy.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and authors own views and opinion