Arjun Erigaisi Joins the Prestigious 2800 Club!

Key Points of Arjun's Success

• A Long-Awaited Moment: Arjun Erigaisi has become the second Indian player to surpass the 2800 Elo barrier after the legendary Viswanathan Anand.

• Remarkable Rise: In just one year, Arjun added over 100 Elo points and reached a rating of 2802.1, placing him 3rd in the world.

• Unconventional Path to Success: Arjun did not receive invitations to elite tournaments, yet he chose to play in open tournaments and prove himself against the strongest players.

• Inspirational Determination: Arjun refused to accept obstacles as a reason for stagnation, and instead said: "I decided I don't care."

• Olympiad Victory: In 2024, Arjun won his second gold medal on board three at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest with a score of 10.0/11 and a performance rating of 2968.

• Fearless Approach: Arjun's ability to play regardless of his opponent made him a formidable force, earning him a place among the chess elite.

Interesting Facts About Arjun Erigaisi

• Late Start: Arjun only started playing chess at the age of eight and began formal training at the age of ten, which is later than most of his peers.

• Inspiration for the Next Generation: Arjun's rise is an inspiration for other young Indian talents, such as Gukesh, who is soon expected to join the 2800 club.

• Comparison with Anand: Viswanathan Anand was the first Indian to achieve a 2800 Elo rating, and Arjun's success reinforces Anand's legacy as a mentor and pioneer of Indian chess.

• Success in 2022: Arjun dominated several major tournaments in 2022, including the Wijk aan Zee Challenger, Indian Championship, and Delhi Open, confirming his status as a rising star.

• Motivation Despite Obstacles: Arjun often faced comparisons with other Indian talents, but instead of being discouraged, he used it as motivation to improve further.

• Arjun's Idol: Arjun has mentioned several times that his main idol in chess is Viswanathan Anand. Anand not only opened doors for Indian chess players but also became an inspiration for an entire generation of players now aiming for the top of the world.

Next Steps in His Career

Arjun's entry into the 2800 Elo club is just the beginning. The chess world is already speculating whether Arjun will become world number one. His determination and continuous improvement show that he has all the prerequisites to achieve even greater success.

Arjun now faces the challenge of stabilizing his rating and further developing his skills at the elite level. Once you reach the 2800 club, every point is hard-earned, and the competition is fierce. Moreover, with increased attention comes public pressure, which he will have to manage.

The young Indian grandmaster, however, seems more than ready for this challenge. In interviews, he emphasizes that he focuses on his own game rather than the ratings or results of others. This mental approach is key to his success and can help him achieve further goals.

The Future of Indian Chess

With Arjun and other young talents like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, the future of Indian chess looks very promising. India, which has long waited for its chess hero after Viswanathan Anand, now has several stars with the potential to become world number one. Arjun's success is proof that hard work, determination, and self-belief can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Arjun's performances have inspired the entire community and attracted the attention of not only Indian fans but also the wider chess audience around the world. His journey is an example of how talent and determination can lead to extraordinary results even without traditional support and invitations to elite events.

Congratulations, Arjun Erigaisi, on joining the prestigious 2800 club and making history for Indian chess!