Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Teen Chess Player Vandan Sawai Defeats Magnus Carlsen Online
Vandan Alankar Sawai is a 15-year-old chess player from Delhi.
He played against Magnus Carlsen in an online chess tournament.
Carlsen is one of the strongest chess players in the world.
Vandan won their 50-move blitz game.
He played calmly and began with his usual move, e4.
During the game, Carlsen made a mistake and moved his king instead of taking Vandan’s bishop.
Vandan was surprised when this happened.
His parents and coach learned about the win only after the game.
Vandan Alankar Sawai, a 15-year-old from Delhi, defeated Magnus Carlsen in Chess.com’s Titled Tuesday tournament.
Sawai won the 50-move online blitz game while rated 2,288, compared with Carlsen’s 2,823 rating.
His parents discovered the victory later because Sawai had not told them immediately.
Sawai entered the game without pressure, playing his usual opening move, e4, with the white pieces.
Carlsen blundered a piece on move 26 after his king came under attack from Sawai’s bishop.
- Who
- Vandan Alankar Sawai, a 15-year-old chess player from Delhi, defeated Magnus Carlsen.
- What
- Sawai won a 50-move online blitz game against Carlsen in Chess.com’s Titled Tuesday tournament.
- When
- The game took place on a Tuesday evening, according to the report; no exact date was provided.
- Where
- Online, in Chess.com’s Titled Tuesday tournament.
- Why
- Sawai said he played without pressure and treated the game as an opportunity to gain experience; Carlsen later blundered a piece.
- Player
- Vandan Alankar Sawai
- Age
- 15
- Location
- Delhi
- Tournament
- Chess.com’s weekly Titled Tuesday tournament
- Result
- Sawai defeated Magnus Carlsen in 50 moves
- Ratings
- Sawai: 2,288; Carlsen: 2,823
- Reported goal
- Sawai is aiming to earn the International Master title