Arjun Erigaisi Shocks the Chess World: Beats Carlsen to Win ‘World’s Strongest’ Online Chess Tournament

The online chess world was set ablaze on Tuesday as India's No. 1 chess player, Arjun Erigaisi, triumphed in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition hosted by Chess.com, widely regarded as the most prestigious online chess platform.

In a stunning display of skill, Erigaisi secured the first prize in the event, finishing with an impressive 10 points from 11 rounds. The highlight of his victory came in round 10, where he defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in just 20 moves, showcasing his sheer dominance. Carlsen, the Norwegian chess titan, is known for his unmatched expertise, but Erigaisi made light work of him in a game that will go down in chess history.

But Erigaisi wasn't done there. In the final round, he went on to beat World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana, further solidifying his place among the world's elite chess players. This victory comes as no surprise to those following Erigaisi's meteoric rise in the chess world, as he continues to outshine his contemporaries.

The only blemish on Erigaisi’s record came in round 7, where he suffered a loss against American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, who ended up finishing second in the tournament. Despite this setback, Erigaisi showed remarkable resilience and focus, reclaiming his momentum to finish on top.

Erigaisi’s remarkable performance earned him the top spot in a competition that saw more than 900 participants, including some of the best chess players in the world. Titled Tuesday, an online event open to titled players with verified Chess.com profiles, is known for its competitive nature, and this week’s edition was dubbed "the world's strongest online tournament" by Nakamura himself.

Erigaisi, who is currently ranked 4th in the FIDE classical ratings, proved that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess, as he continues to rise in the global rankings. However, the absence of World Chess Champion D Gukesh, who did not participate in the event, was noted by many chess enthusiasts.

In online chess tournaments like Titled Tuesday, players are asked to be available for Zoom calls to ensure fair play, preventing cheating and ensuring a level playing field. These tournaments not only provide an opportunity for players to stay sharp but also offer valuable bragging rights, especially when beating legends like Carlsen and Caruana.

As chess fans around the world celebrate Erigaisi's incredible win, it’s clear that the young Indian player has a bright future ahead. His victory in the Titled Tuesday event is a testament to his dedication, strategy, and unwavering determination, making him one of the top players to watch in the years to come.

Reference from:- https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/arjun-erigaisi-beats-magnus-carlsen-aimchess-rapid-online-tournament-preliminaries/article66017071.ece