Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world champion, recently demonstrated his enduring prowess at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in London, securing a notable victory against India's top-ranked player, Arjun Erigaisi. This win not only underscored Anand's legendary status but also offered a fascinating glimpse into his assessment of Erigaisi's unique talent.
The match, held during Round 5 of the championship, saw Anand triumph in 31 moves. Adding a layer of intrigue to the encounter, Erigaisi arrived three minutes late for the game. Anand, however, remained unfazed, later commenting that Erigaisi apologized, and it did not affect his focus.
Post-match, Anand shared his insights on Erigaisi's playing style, expressing admiration for the young grandmaster's ability to "generate tactics out of thin air." He elaborated on this point, noting the seemingly spontaneous emergence of tactical complexities in Erigaisi's positions. Anand specifically mentioned being puzzled by how Erigaisi managed to create a battery with his queen on d4, almost as if it materialized on its own accord. Despite the perplexing nature of these tactical creations, Anand acknowledged finding a suitable plan involving f6 and knight to c5, navigating the intricate details of the position.
This ability to conjure tactical possibilities from seemingly innocuous situations is a hallmark of Erigaisi's game. He is known for his aggressive and pragmatic approach, making him a formidable opponent.
Arjun Erigaisi, born on September 3, 2003, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the chess world. By December 2024, he had achieved a peak rating of 2801, making him the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to cross the 2800 threshold. This accomplishment placed him among the elite, joining the likes of Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Hikaru Nakamura. Erigaisi earned the title of Grandmaster at the young age of 14 years, 11 months, and 13 days. In September 2024, he became India's top-rated player, surpassing even the current World Champion, D Gukesh.
Anand's victory against Erigaisi at the FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Chess Championship 2025 was described as "clinical and instructive." The turning point of the game arrived on the 25th move, when Anand executed a bold rook sacrifice to capture a bishop. This tactical decision opened up the position, allowing Anand to launch a decisive attack against Erigaisi's king, ultimately leading to the latter's resignation.
Despite his individual loss to Anand, Erigaisi's team, MGD1, emerged victorious in the rapid section of the championship, winning all four of their matches on the final day. This victory underscored Erigaisi's importance as a key player in a team that predominantly featured Indian talent.
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships 2025 featured a strong contingent of Indian players, including established stars like Anand and rising talents like Erigaisi, D Gukesh, Nihal Sarin, and others.
Anand acknowledged the added pressure of facing a fellow countryman, especially one as highly rated as Erigaisi. However, he expressed satisfaction with the result, recognizing the significance of the win against one of India's leading chess players.
