Archive · 19 Jul 2026
VS Rathanvel Becomes India's 99th Grandmaster
VS Rathanvel, a 25-year-old from Coimbatore, has become India's 99th Grandmaster in chess.
This means he is now one of the top chess players in the country.
He achieved this title by reaching a rating of 2500 Elo, which is a very high score in chess.
Rathanvel had been trying to reach this goal for a long time, completing the necessary steps in 2022 but waiting to meet the rating requirement.
He is very happy to finally achieve this title and plans to play in more international tournaments.
India is now very close to having 100 Grandmasters, which is a big milestone for the country.
Rathanvel's journey was not easy; he faced many setbacks and mental challenges, but he stayed committed to the game.
VS Rathanvel becomes India's 99th Grandmaster by crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark.
He achieved this title at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026.
Rathanvel completed his three GM norms in 2022 but had to wait to meet the rating requirement.
He is a former World Youth U-10 bronze medallist and plans to play in stronger international tournaments.
India is now one step away from having 100 Grandmasters.
- Who
- VS Rathanvel
- What
- Achieved the title of Grandmaster in chess
- When
- At the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026
- Where
- Guwahati, India
- Why
- By crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark
Chess Success
Chess Challenges
Achievement
Chess Success
VS Rathanvel achieved the title of Grandmaster by crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark, fulfilling a long-awaited dream.
Chess Challenges
Rathanvel faced repeated setbacks and mental challenges while pursuing the Grandmaster title, which impacted his performance.
Future Plans
Chess Success
Rathanvel plans to play in stronger international tournaments and approach the game more relaxed and stress-free.
Chess Challenges
The mental toll of chess can lead to self-doubt and affect a player's performance, as experienced by Rathanvel.
- Name
- VS Rathanvel
- Age
- 25
- Hometown
- Coimbatore
- Achievement
- India's 99th Grandmaster
- Rating Requirement
- 2500 Elo
- Event
- Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026
- Previous Achievement
- World Youth U-10 bronze medallist
- Profession
- Mechanical Engineer
- Training Academy
- Kovai Kids Chess Academy
Sources
VS Rathanvel secures Grandmaster title as India nears historic 100th GM mark
India one away from reaching 100 grandmasters as Rathanvel becomes 99th
V S Rathanvel becomes India’s 99th grandmaster, fulfils long-awaited dream after crossing 2500 Elo rating
