Pranav Venkatesh, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from India, made headlines on March 7, 2025, when he clinched the prestigious FIDE World Junior Chess Championship held in Petrovac, Montenegro. Venkatesh’s remarkable performance at the tournament culminated with him securing victory through an unbeaten score of 9 out of 11, comprising seven wins and four draws, against 157 competitors, which included 12 grandmasters.
With this triumph, Pranav Venkatesh has rightfully earned his place among India’s elite chess ranks, becoming the fourth Indian ever to win the World Junior title, following the illustrious footsteps of Viswanathan Anand (1987), Pentala Harikrishna (2004), and Abhijeet Gupta (2008). Anand was quick to share his admiration, posting on social media, "He is very conscientious about his work and constantly analyzes his own games, suggests alternatives, and takes feedback." This affirmation not only reflects Pranav's skill but also highlights the mentoring support of Anand himself, who became the World Junior Chess Champion decades ago.
Pranav’s story began at the tender age of six when he first picked up the chess pieces, showing remarkable talent from the outset. His parents enrolled him at the Velammal Nexus school, which has produced several prominent players. At just ten years old, he became the highest-ranked player globally for his age category back in 2017, showcasing his early promise by defeating formidable opponents.
Despite his rich potential, the road was not always smooth. After reaching his International Master title in 2021, he was hailed as India's 75th grandmaster the following year, yet the subsequent years were fraught with challenges; Pranav struggled to participate in high-quality tournaments and lacked access to top-tier coaches. Financial constraints posed significant hurdles for his family, but the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic transformed his fortunes. Pranav took to online chess, playing extensively with Canadian Grandmaster Eric Hansen, gaining the affectionate nickname 'Buddy Pranav' during the sessions. This opportunity allowed him to refine his skills during the isolation period.
His online gameplay garnered attention, and notable figures like Magnus Carlsen admired his prowess. Venkatesh played alongside Carlsen at the 38th European Chess Club Cup, where he significantly contributed to securing Carlsen’s first team title, and Carlsen famously tweeted, "Pranav is buddy and buddy is Pranav,” solidifying the young star's identity within the chess community.
The recent championship allowed Pranav to showcase his improvement and resilience. Struggling with health issues during the tournament, Pranav caught a cold before the fourth round. His father, Venkatesh, recalled how he had to maintain calmness, saying, “We did not discuss the games at all... My job was to keep him calm and focused.” This moment of fatherly support proved to be pivotal; Pranav relied heavily on this emotional backing to navigate through the pressure and challenges.
Venkatesh, who had never played chess himself, began learning alongside Pranav as they both delved deep to understand the game together. The bond formed well beyond the chessboard—his father became his anchor, guiding him through fame, expectations, and challenges, helping Pranav focus and perform at his best. “I was very nervous before the final round when he just needed a draw,” Venkatesh admitted from the Abu Dhabi airport soon after the championship. Such nerves are natural for any parent supporting their child at such prestigious platforms, where stakes are unprecedented.
Now, as the young champion prepares for the future, he is targeting the lofty goal of breaking the 2700-rating mark and making his way to higher-level competitions. The achievements among his peers stand out; with players like Gukesh Dommaraju and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu already making headlines, Pranav’s focus is not solely on individual victories but also on contributing to India’s growing reputation on the international chess stage.
Venkatesh expresses hope for future tournaments, remarking, “We are trying to follow the path set by other good players and hope to get invited to super tournaments soon with his performance at the junior level.” This sentiment encapsulates the aspirations of many young athletes who dream of future accolades and recognition.
Pranav Venkatesh’s fairy tale continues as he embarks on this exciting chapter of his life, now wearing the crown of the World Junior Chess Champion. From his early fascination with chess pieces to strategic brilliance at the international level, he exemplifies the spirit of rising talents shaping India’s chess culture. It’s not just about winning titles; it’s about the adventure and the potential yet to be realized. His notable achievements promise to inspire generations to come, ensuring chess remains cherished and pursued among the youth of India.