Indian Chess Sensation Nearly Defeats Five-Time World Champion in Online Blitz Tournament

New Delhi, June 26, 2025 - In a remarkable display of chess prowess that has sent shockwaves through the international chess community, nine-year-old Indian chess prodigy Aarit Kapil held world number one Magnus Carlsen to a dramatic draw in the Early Titled Tuesday online tournament on June 25, 2025.

The Delhi-based chess sensation, who started playing chess just four years ago, came tantalizingly close to defeating the Norwegian grandmaster in what would have been one of the most stunning upsets in chess history.

The Match That Captivated the Chess World

Playing from his hotel room in Georgia, where he is currently competing in the Under-10 World Championship, Aarit matched the five-time world champion move for move and had Carlsen in a completely lost position during the 49-move encounter.

The young prodigy held the advantage by move 25 but faced a critical time crunch with only 31 seconds remaining compared to Carlsen's minute and 25 seconds. With just 7 seconds left on his clock, Aarit was unable to find the precise moves to finish the game, allowing Carlsen to recover and secure a draw.

Record-Breaking Chess Prodigy

Aarit Kapil's chess journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. At nine years, two months, and 18 days old, he became the youngest Indian chess player to defeat a Grandmaster when he triumphed over 66-year-old Raset Ziatdinov of the United States in the ninth round of the KIIT Open International tournament in December 2024.

Currently holding a FIDE rating of 2078 in standard chess, 2048 in rapid, and 2059 in blitz, the Candidate Master has established himself as one of India's most promising young talents. He practices chess for five to six hours daily under the guidance of International Master Vishal Sareen.

Academic Excellence Alongside Chess Mastery

A fifth-grade student at Somerville School, Aarit began his chess journey just four years ago. His rapid rise through the ranks demonstrates exceptional natural talent combined with dedicated training and strategic coaching.

Current Tournament Performance

Aarit has scored victories in his first two rounds of the Under-10 World Championship in Georgia, showcasing consistent performance at the highest level of youth chess competition.

Impact on Indian Chess

This historic draw adds another chapter to India's growing dominance in world chess. As the runner-up at the recent Under-9 National Championship, Aarit represents the new generation of Indian chess talents following in the footsteps of Grandmasters like Viswanathan Anand and the rising stars of contemporary Indian chess.

Looking Ahead

The chess world will be watching closely as Aarit continues his journey in the Under-10 World Championship. His performance against Carlsen has already established him as a player to watch, and many experts believe this is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary chess career.

The draw against Magnus Carlsen not only highlights Aarit's exceptional talent but also demonstrates the depth of chess talent emerging from India's youth programs. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience against world-class opposition, the chess community eagerly anticipates his future achievements.