In a stunning display of skill and composure, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi triumphed at the 2024 WR Chess Masters, securing a 20,000 Euro prize after defeating France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in a decisive Armageddon game. Despite drawing the two classical games in the final, Erigaisi demonstrated resilience in the tiebreak format to claim the championship. This victory, while monumental, left him just shy of crossing the coveted 2800 Elo rating mark—an achievement only attained by Viswanathan Anand among Indian players.

Major Milestones Achieved

1. Victory in the Armageddon Format:
After two fiercely contested classical games that both ended in draws, Erigaisi defeated Vachier-Lagrave in the Armageddon tiebreak. In this format, Black only needs a draw to win the match, but Erigaisi’s masterful play with the white pieces sealed his victory.

2. Close to the 2800 Elo Rating:
With this tournament win, Arjun Erigaisi inches closer to the prestigious 2800 Elo rating, currently sitting at 2796.1. Although he didn't cross this threshold during the WR Chess Masters, the achievement highlights his steady rise in the world chess rankings, where he now holds the world number four spot, behind legends like Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura.

Path to the Championship

1. Semifinal Victory Over Praggnanandhaa:
Erigaisi faced fellow Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa in the semifinals, defeating him with a solid 1.5-0.5 score. He won the first game as White and played a stable draw in the second to secure his place in the final.

2. Defeating Vidit Gujrathi:
Earlier in the tournament, Erigaisi outclassed another top Indian player, Vidit Gujrathi, in a two-game mini-match, finishing with a 1.5-0.5 margin. His victories over both Gujrathi and Praggnanandhaa were crucial stepping stones on his way to the final.

3. Dominating England’s Sivananda Bodhana:
In the earlier rounds, Erigaisi showcased his prowess by defeating England's Sivananda Bodhana, who, despite being a young talent, could not keep pace with Erigaisi’s precision and strategic depth.

Final Showdown with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

1. Drawn Classical Games:
In the final, Erigaisi faced stiff competition from Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, one of the top players in the world. The first game, with Erigaisi playing Black, ended in a comfortable draw. The second game was more intense, with complex play emerging from a Sicilian Najdorf opening. However, the battle eventually cooled down into a draw after 21 moves, leading to the decisive Armageddon tiebreak.

2. Tiebreak Mastery:
In the Armageddon, where White is given extra time but must win to claim victory, Erigaisi's superior tactical acumen prevailed. His precise calculations and nerves of steel allowed him to triumph over Vachier-Lagrave, clinching the title and further cementing his status among the world’s chess elite.

What Lies Ahead for Erigaisi

1. Closing in on Chess History:
With this latest victory, Arjun Erigaisi continues his meteoric rise in the chess world. While he narrowly missed crossing the 2800 Elo mark, his consistent performances make it likely that he will achieve this milestone in future tournaments.

2. Fierce Competition in the Top Ranks:
As Erigaisi edges closer to the 2800 barrier, he is now ranked fourth in the world behind chess titans Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura. The 21-year-old Indian sensation is poised to challenge the very best, and his sights are firmly set on climbing even higher in the rankings.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Chess

Erigaisi’s success at the WR Chess Masters is not just a reflection of his current form but also an indication of his bright future in the world of chess. His tactical brilliance, composure under pressure, and ability to adapt to different formats make him a formidable force on the global stage. As he continues to compete against the top players in the world, the Indian chess community—and indeed the entire chess world—will be watching to see if he can break through the 2800 Elo rating and continue his ascent toward even greater heights.

Arjun Erigaisi’s journey is far from over, and if his recent performances are any indication, the chess world will witness many more stunning victories from this rising star.