Image

GM Aravindh CHITHAMBARAM

India

Born on September 11, 1999, in Thirunagar

Elo std: 2749
Rapid: 2550
Blitz: 2622

GMT: –
MTO: 2016 (3rd)
 
Biography
Aravindh Chithambaram Veerappan, commonly known as Aravindh Chithambaram VR, was born on September 11, 1999, in Thirunagar, a locality in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Raised in a modest family, he lost his father at age three, leaving his mother, an employee of the Life Insurance Corporation, to support the family single-handedly. Aravindh discovered chess at seven when his paternal grandfather taught him the basics to channel his energy and divert him from playing cricket outside with friends. What began as a pastime quickly turned into a passion, with his natural talent shining through from a young age.
Growing up with limited resources, Aravindh received crucial support that shaped his journey. In 2011, he joined the Chess Gurukul Academy in Chennai under the mentorship of Grandmaster Ramachandran Ramesh, who became a pivotal figure in his development. Velammal School, where he studied, waived his tuition fees, and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) provided him with a scholarship, easing his path in chess. Today, Aravindh is regarded as one of India’s most gifted players, with Ramesh calling him “the most talented since Viswanathan Anand.”
Chess Successes
Aravindh Chithambaram’s career is defined by a remarkable rise and standout achievements that have positioned him among the world’s elite. Here’s an overview of his key accomplishments:
  • Early Achievements: Aravindh made his mark early. At 12, in 2011, he won the Indian U19 Championship, showcasing exceptional potential for his age. In 2012, he finished second at the World U14 Championship in Maribor, behind American Kayden Troff, with an impressive showing.
  • Grandmaster Title: Aravindh earned the GM title in 2015 at age 15. His first norm came in 2013 when he won the Chennai International Grandmasters Open at just 14, scoring 9/11 with a 2728 performance rating (far above his 2335 rating at the time). He defeated four GMs and two IMs in that event, a result he later described as unexpected: “I didn’t expect to win; I’d have been happy with a norm.” He secured his remaining norms in 2014 and 2015, solidifying his status.
  • Indian National Championships: In 2018 and 2019, Aravindh won back-to-back Indian Classical Chess Championships. In 2019, he made history as the first Indian to claim the national “triple crown,” adding the rapid (10.5/11) and blitz (10/11) titles to his classical victory, a dominant feat reminiscent of Magnus Carlsen’s global achievements.
  • International Performances:
    • Chennai Open 2013: His win at 14 in this prestigious event, held alongside the Anand-Carlsen World Championship, marked his international breakthrough.
    • World Junior Championship 2017: He secured a bronze medal, reinforcing his reputation among young talents.
    • FIDE World Cup 2021: He defeated Filipino Michael Concio in the first round before losing to Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the second, gaining valuable experience against top-tier players.
    • Online Olympiad 2020: As part of India’s gold-medal-winning team, he contributed to their victory in the inaugural FIDE Online Olympiad.
  • Recent Major Tournaments:
    • Chennai Grand Masters 2024: In November 2024, Aravindh won this high-profile event, India’s strongest tournament to date, with 4.5/7. After a series of draws, he beat Arjun Erigaisi and Parham Maghsoodloo, then outplayed Levon Aronian in a blitz tiebreak, clinching the title in a decisive Armageddon game.
    • Prague Masters 2025: In March 2025, he won this elite tournament by a full point, defeating players like Anish Giri, Wei Yi, and Vincent Keymer with games he called “memorable” for their quality.
  • Breaking 2700: In June 2024, Aravindh crossed the 2700 Elo barrier during the French Top 16 Club Championship, reaching 2702.5 live after beating Samvel Ter-Sahakyan. By April 2025, he climbed to 2749 Elo, ranking 11th globally on FIDE’s rating list.
  • Style and Recognition: Aravindh is known for his sharp, resilient style. His coach Ramesh highlights his ability to overcome self-doubt, evident in wins against giants like Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Vishy Anand at the 2023 World Rapid Teams. At 25, he’s seen as a “late bloomer” now reaping the rewards of years of hard work.
Aravindh Chithambaram embodies the new wave of Indian chess, blending raw talent with perseverance. With recent triumphs in Prague and Chennai and an Elo above 2700, he’s emerging as a serious contender on the global stage, a far cry from his humble beginnings in Madurai.