FIDE World Blitz Championship 2025: Arjun Erigaisi Clinches Bronze in Doha

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi clinched the bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship 2025 in Doha on Tuesday, capping a remarkable campaign despite a semifinal defeat to Uzbekistan’s top player Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

The 22-year-old Indian star, who had earlier won bronze at the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship, continues his meteoric rise on the global chess stage, becoming the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand (2017) to win medals in both Rapid and Blitz World Championships.

Semifinal Setback After Dominant Swiss Stage

Erigaisi entered the knockout rounds in strong form after topping the Open Swiss standings at the World Blitz Championship.

• He finished joint-first after Day 1 alongside Fabiano Caruana and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

• On Day 2, he consolidated his lead with four wins and two draws

• He topped the overall standings with 15 points, qualifying for the semifinals alongside:

  • Magnus Carlsen

  • Fabiano Caruana

  • Nodirbek Abdusattorov

However, in the semifinal clash, Erigaisi suffered a 2.5–0.5 loss to Abdusattorov. The defeat was particularly striking as Erigaisi had defeated Abdusattorov earlier on Day 1, raising expectations of a strong semifinal showing.

Related Story | Men’s World Rapid Championship: Erigaisi Creates History

Carlsen Sets Up Final Clash With Abdusattorov

In the other semifinal, defending champion Magnus Carlsen defeated American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana by 3–1, setting up a high-profile final against Abdusattorov.

Despite the semifinal loss, Erigaisi’s bronze medal finish reflects his consistency and composure across formats at the highest level.

Back-to-Back World Championship Medals

With this bronze medal at the World Blitz Championship, Erigaisi has now achieved:

• Bronze – FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship

• Bronze – FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship 2025

This rare double podium finish places him among elite company and reinforces his status as India’s leading young chess Grandmaster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Congratulates Erigaisi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Arjun Erigaisi on his achievement through a social media post.

“Congratulations to Arjun Erigaisi for winning the Bronze at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, following his bronze medal in the FIDE Rapid Chess Championship. His skills, patience and passion are exemplary. His successes will continue to inspire the youth.”

India’s Growing Presence in World Chess

Erigaisi’s performance in Doha highlights India’s growing dominance in international chess, especially among the younger generation of Grandmasters. His ability to compete toe-to-toe with the world’s best in both Rapid and Blitz formats marks a significant milestone for Indian chess on the global stage.