Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy Win Bronze at 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championships in Doha

Indian chess stars Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy clinched bronze medals in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at the 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Women’s World Rapid Chess Championships, held in Doha, Qatar.

The prestigious global event saw World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway and Russia’s Alexandra Goryachkina emerge as champions in the men’s and women’s sections respectively.

Men’s World Rapid Championship: Erigaisi Creates History

Magnus Carlsen secured his sixth World Rapid Chess title, finishing first with 10.5 points from 13 rounds.

Four players — Vladislav Artemiev, Arjun Erigaisi, Hans Moke Niemann, and Leinier Dominguez Perez — finished joint second on 9.5 points, forcing the final standings to be decided on tie-breaks (TB1).

• Vladislav Artemiev won silver with a TB1 score of 105.5

• Arjun Erigaisi finished third with a TB1 score of 98, earning the bronze medal

• Hans Niemann (97.5) and Leinier Dominguez Perez (95.5) finished fourth and fifth respectively

Erigaisi’s podium finish was sealed after a crucial victory over Aleksandr Shimanov on the fourth board, which lifted him into the tie for second place.

With this result, Arjun Erigaisi became the only Indian male chess player since Viswanathan Anand to win a medal at the World Rapid Chess Championship, marking a historic achievement for Indian chess.

Congratulatory Message from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated Erigaisi on social media platform X, stating:

“Congratulations to Arjun Erigaisi on winning the bronze medal at the FIDE World Rapid Championship. His podium finish makes him the only Indian male player to achieve this feat since Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. A son of Telangana, Arjun has added another chapter of pride to India’s illustrious chess legacy.”

Women’s World Rapid Championship: Humpy Adds Another World Medal

In the Women’s World Rapid Championship, Koneru Humpy finished on 8.5 points from 11 rounds, tied at the top with eventual champion Alexandra Goryachkina and China’s Zhu Jiner.

• The gold medal was decided through a blitz playoff, where Goryachkina defeated Zhu Jiner 1.5–0.5, claiming her first World Rapid title

• Humpy settled for bronze on tie-breaks, adding to her illustrious career

The 38-year-old Humpy had earlier won World Rapid gold medals in 2019 and 2024, underlining her consistency at the elite level.

In the final round, Humpy drew with compatriot B. Savita Shri, who finished on 8 points, tied for fourth along with R. Vaishali and Turkey’s Ekaterina Atalik. Notably, Atalik held Goryachkina to a draw on the top board.

CM Naidu Praises Koneru Humpy

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also congratulated Humpy, writing:

“Champions are not defined by one result, but by the courage to compete at the highest level again and again. A bronze on the world stage reflects true excellence. Your journey, consistency, and the pride you bring to India inspire millions.”

Other Indian Performances

Several Indian players delivered strong performances in the men’s event:

• Aravindh Chithambaram – 16th place (8.5 points)

• Nihal Sarin – 19th (8.5 points)

• D. Gukesh – 20th (8.5 points)

• R. Praggnanandhaa – 28th (8.5 points)

All four finished level on points, separated only by tie-breaks.

Final Round Highlights

• Magnus Carlsen drew with Anish Giri

• Vladislav Artemiev drew with Wesley So of the United States on board two

India’s Growing Global Chess Presence

The twin bronze medals by Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy further strengthen India’s growing dominance in world chess, highlighting the country’s depth across generations — from established champions to emerging global contenders.