Arjun Erigaisi, World No. 4, to Make His Mark at Norway Chess 2025
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Stavanger (Norway), Dec 3 (NationPress) Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi is gearing up for his first appearance at Norway Chess 2025, a prestigious chess competition in Europe taking place from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger. At only 21 years old and currently the World No. 4, Erigaisi brings youthful zeal and remarkable skill to this high-profile tournament on the chess calendar.
Arjun's ascent in the chess world has been extraordinary. His breakout year was in 2022, marked by multiple significant victories. He began January by winning the esteemed Tata Steel Chess Challengers and later secured the title of Indian National Champion in March. That summer, he excelled at the 28th Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, demonstrating his prowess across different formats. To culminate the year, Arjun triumphed in the Tata Steel Chess India Blitz, reinforcing his status as a promising talent.
The momentum continued into 2023, where Arjun maintained his impressive performance. He was the clear winner at the Sharjah Masters in March, and later in the year, he made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
His exceptional performances have gained him recognition beyond the chess community.
In 2024, Arjun reached new milestones. He kicked off the year with wins at the Menorca Open A, the Stepan Avagyan Memorial, and the WR Chess Masters Cup in London, showcasing his consistency and dominance in competitive play.
In September, Arjun led Team India to a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad, delivering an outstanding performance on board three with an impressive rating performance of 2968. This incredible achievement also earned him an individual gold medal.
That same month, Arjun became India's top-rated player, achieving a career-high live rating of 2801 in December. By surpassing the significant 2800 milestone, he joined an exclusive group of players and became only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to reach this landmark.
Reflecting on his playing style and personal growth, Arjun stated, "I used to lose games due to over-ambition and a lack of objectivity, but now I aim to channel my ambition in a more balanced manner."
As excitement builds for Norway Chess 2025, Arjun shared his eagerness for the event's unique format. "There are many thrilling aspects of Norway Chess, but for me, the time control and Armageddon format are the most intriguing," he mentioned.
Kjell Madland, the Founder, Chairman, and Tournament Director of Norway Chess, emphasized the importance of Arjun's involvement: "We are thrilled to welcome Arjun Erigaisi, the highest-ranked Indian chess player, to Norway Chess 2025. His remarkable achievements and dynamic style reflect the spirit of our tournament. It is a privilege to host a player of his caliber, and we look forward to witnessing his impact in Stavanger, Norway."
