Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Praggnanandhaa Finds Joy, Confidence After Grand Chess Tour Triumph
Praggnanandhaa is a top chess player from India.
He recently won the Grand Chess Tour Final and Norway Chess.
Earlier, he had a difficult Candidates tournament and finished seventh.
He said that result hurt his confidence and made him question some decisions.
Later, he felt more in control of his games in Bucharest.
That confidence helped him play better and win important tournaments.
He does not think any player is unbeatable, including himself.
He also said he wants to enjoy chess and try hobbies such as cooking or art during his breaks.
Praggnanandhaa won the 2026 Grand Chess Tour Final after previously winning Norway Chess.
He said he is now enjoying chess rather than focusing on a single long-term target.
The player linked his improved results to regaining control and confidence after the Candidates.
He defeated Magnus Carlsen twice in classical games and Fabiano Caruana twice in rapid games during the event.
Praggnanandhaa said he would accept any role on India’s Olympiad team, including reserve player.
- Who
- Indian chess player Praggnanandhaa, with support from coach Vaibhav Suri, is the central figure.
- What
- Praggnanandhaa discussed his 2026 Grand Chess Tour Final victory, his recovery after the Candidates, and his plans for chess and life outside it.
- When
- The interview took place one day after his Grand Chess Tour Final triumph; he also referred to events in 2026 and the upcoming Olympiad.
- Where
- The discussed competitions included Norway Chess, the Grand Chess Tour Final, Bucharest, and the Candidates; the interview location was not stated.
- Why
- He said his results improved after he regained confidence and felt more control over his play, while now focusing on enjoying the game.
- Grand Chess Tour result
- Praggnanandhaa won the 2026 Grand Chess Tour Final.
- Other major victory
- He also won Norway Chess in 2026.
- Candidates result
- He finished seventh among eight players at the Candidates.
- Confidence turning point
- He said he began feeling more in control of his play at Bucharest, before Norway Chess.
- Finals opponents
- He beat Magnus Carlsen twice in classical games and Fabiano Caruana twice in rapid games.
- Coach
- Vaibhav Suri prepared plans for Praggnanandhaa’s games and worked remotely with him.
- Olympiad role
- Praggnanandhaa said he would accept any board or reserve-player role selected by India’s captain.