In a proud moment for Indian chess, 19-year-old Rohith Krishna, a third-year student at SSN College of Engineering in Chennai, has become the 89th Grandmaster (GM) from India. He secured the title on August 12, 2025, after a decisive victory at the Almaty Masters Qonaev Cup in Kazakhstan, defeating International Master (IM) Artur Davtyan of Romania in the final round.
Rohith finished the tournament with 6 points out of 9, a score that not only clinched him the title but also marked a significant personal milestone in his chess career.
From Academic Halls to the Global Chessboard
Balancing a demanding engineering curriculum with the equally challenging world of competitive chess has not been easy for Rohith. An academically bright student, he admits that academics slowed his chess journey, as tournaments and training often took a back seat to classroom commitments.
“Studying engineering and pursuing chess at a competitive level is like playing two simultaneous games with different rules,” Rohith said after his win. “While academics delayed my progress, I believe it also gave me resilience and discipline. This title is not the end—it’s the beginning of a much bigger journey.”
The Path to Grandmaster
Becoming a Grandmaster requires crossing three GM norms and achieving an Elo rating of 2500 or more—a feat that only a handful of players worldwide accomplish each year. For Rohith, this journey involved years of rigorous practice, countless hours of studying game strategies, and competing in multiple international tournaments.
His victory over IM Davtyan in the final round at Almaty showcased his composure under pressure. Employing sharp tactical play and precise endgame strategy, Rohith turned a balanced position into a winning advantage, sealing his GM title in style.
Adding to India’s Chess Legacy
India has seen a rapid rise in the number of Grandmasters in recent years, with legends like Viswanathan Anand paving the way for a new generation. Rohith’s achievement makes him the 89th Indian GM, adding to the country’s growing reputation as a global chess powerhouse.
His success also reflects the increasing accessibility of professional chess in India, with better coaching facilities, online training resources, and a strong network of domestic and international tournaments.
While this victory is a career-defining moment, Rohith sees it as just the starting point. His next goal is to break into the top 100 in world rankings, participate in elite-level tournaments, and represent India at prestigious events like the Chess Olympiad and FIDE World Cup.
“I’m grateful for the support of my family, coaches, and friends,” he said. “Now, I want to focus on refining my play, learning from top players, and contributing to India’s growing presence in world chess.”
With his academic background and relentless determination, Rohith Krishna stands as an inspiration to young talents who dream of excelling both in studies and sports, proving that with discipline, the chessboard and the classroom can indeed coexist.
