Stavanger (Norway), December 3 (IANS). Indian Grandmaster Arjun Arigasi is set to make his debut at the Norway Chess 2025, one of the top chess events in Europe, and will be played in Stavanger from May 26 to June 6. At just 21 years old and ranked world No. 4, Errigassi brings young ambition and extraordinary talent to one of the most prestigious tournaments on the chess calendar.
Arjun’s journey to the top has been nothing short of phenomenal. His breakout year began in 2022 when he scored several high-profile wins. In January, he won the prestigious Tata Steel Chess Challengers and by March he was crowned Indian national champion. That summer, he dominated the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, showcasing his ability in a variety of formats. At the end of the year, Arjun won the Tata Steel Chess India Blitz, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
This momentum continued into 2023, where Arjun continued to impress. In March, he emerged as the winner of the Sharjah Masters, and later in the year, he reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Arjun’s remarkable achievements have earned him recognition beyond the chessboard.
In 2024, Arjun touched new heights. He began the year with wins at the Menorca Open A, the Stefan Avagyan Memorial, and the WR Chess Masters Cup in London, proving his consistency and dominance in competitive play.
In September, Arjun led Team India to the gold medal in the Chess Olympiad with a stellar performance of 2968 on board three. This remarkable performance also earned him an individual gold medal.
The same month, Arjun became India’s top-rated player, reaching a career-high live rating of 2801 in December. By crossing the coveted 2800 mark, he joined an exclusive club of players and became only the second Indian after the great Vishwanathan Anand to achieve the feat.
Reflecting on his style and evolution, Arjun said, “I used to lose matches due to over-ambition and lack of objectivity, but now I try to pursue my ambition in a balanced manner.”
As excitement grows for Norway Chess 2025, Arjun expressed his excitement about the innovative format of the event. “There are a lot of exciting things about Norway Chess, but for me, I would say the time control and the Armageddon format stand out the most to me,” he said.
Kjell Madland, Founder, Chairman and Tournament Director of Norway Chess, highlighted the importance of Arjun’s participation, “We are honored to welcome the highest-ranked Indian chess player, Arjun Erigaysi, to Norway Chess 2025. His incredible achievements and “His dynamic style reflects the spirit of our tournament. It is a privilege to host a player of his caliber, and we look forward to seeing his impact in Stavanger, Norway.”
–IANS
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