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Praggnanandhaa jokes he’ll buy Arjun Erigaisi something after winning Tata Steel chess title

Praggnanandhaa defeated Gukesh in the tiebreaks to win the Tata Steel chess tournament. But first, he needed some help from good friend Arjun Erigaisi, who defeated the world champion in the final round.

Praggnanandhaa in Round 12 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

Praggnanandhaa defeated world champion Gukesh in a tense tiebreak that went into sudden death to emerge as the champion of the Tata Steel chess tournament 2025. It was a moment he called the “highlight” and the “most stressful day” of his career.

After defeating Gukesh in the tiebreak, Praggnanandhaa was asked by commentator Fiona Steil-Antoni if winning the Tata Steel title was the “highlight of his young career”.

“Yeah, for sure. When I came here, I wanted to win the event. But the field was very strong. I didn’t really think about it much until yesterday. Can’t really express… I’m really happy,” said Praggnanandhaa.

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Praggnanandhaa, asked if this was the most intense day of chess in his career, compared Sunday’s action with the sudden death battle he had with close friend Arjun Erigaisi a few years back.

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“That game was also insane, we went to sudden death like here today. And then I managed to win. But today is more special, because I won the tournament. Definitely most stressful day, I guess… Today’s classical game was (so extended) due to pressure. But I was also quite tired,” Pragg admitted.

INTERACTIVE: Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh tiebreak game 1

INTERACTIVE: Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh tiebreak game 2

INTERACTIVE: Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh sudden death game 1

Pragg had lost the final game to Vincent Keymer, but thanks to Arjun Erigaisi’s win over Gukesh in round 13, there was a tiebreak. The Indian prodigy joked after claiming the title that he should probably reward his good friend Arjun Erigaisi for defeating Gukesh.

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READ MORE: At Tata Steel Chess tournament, India’s golden generation shows that world needs to get used to them at top for years to come | This week’s chess column

WATCH: Pragg interview after winning Tata Steel chess

“Should probably by something for Arjun, yeah?” smiled Pragg while talking to Fiona Steil-Antoni after winning the title.

He said that he wasn’t expecting Erigaisi to defeat Gukesh. “I didn’t really expect (Arjun to beat Gukesh). Because at some point felt that Gukesh was actually better. When I saw the result (of Gukesh vs Arjun), I had already misplayed and I was in such a difficult position that I could not really do much than sit and defend. I didn’t think practically I had any chance in my own position.”