- Beyond the chessboard, who is Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa? Tell us about your passions, hobbies, and how you like to spend your free time.
I enjoy playing other sports like badminton and table tennis. Additionally, I like to unwind by watching movies occasionally. - Growing up a prodigy, did you ever feel that you missed out on a “normal” childhood? How did you balance your chess training with other aspects of your life?
No, I have never felt that way. Not many people get to experience traveling around like I do, and I truly enjoy it. My school was very supportive of my studies, which helped me balance my chess training with other aspects of my life. - What are the biggest misconception people have about you? How would you like to be seen outside of the chess world?
The biggest misconception people have about chess players, including myself, is that we are inherently more intelligent than others. In reality, we are simply skilled in our specific domain. Outside of the chess world, I would like to be seen as someone who is dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about what I do, rather than solely focusing on intelligence. - Can you recall the moment you fell in love with chess? Was there a specific game or event that sparked your passion?
I don’t recall the exact moment, but I began learning the rules of chess at the age of three, and I became very interested in the game from that early age. - Describe your early training process. What was your family’s role in your development as a chess player?
My parents would take me to the academy, which was an hour away from home, and they would stay there for three hours while I trained. Afterwards, we would return home together. I had training sessions every day as part of my early development as a chess player. - Who were your chess idols growing up? Did you have any mentors or coaches who significantly impacted your journey?
During my formative years, Viswanathan Anand Sir was a significant idol for me. He was the world champion when I was participating in age category championships. My first trainer was Thiygarajan Sir from Bloom Chess Academy, with whom I worked until 2014 during which time I won the U-8 Championship. Since 2014, I have been working with RB Ramesh Sir, from whom I have learned a great deal both on and off the board. - Reaching Grandmaster at such a young age must have been overwhelming. How did you handle the pressure and expectations?
Becoming a Grandmaster at a young age indeed came with its share of pressure. However, I’ve learned from those experiences, which has helped me develop better ways to handle it. I’m still in the process of finding the ideal approach to managing expectations. During tournaments, I avoid reading about myself or the tournament on social media to maintain focus. - What was your biggest setback or defeat in your chess career? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from the experience?
In my chess career, there have been periods where I experienced setbacks or bad results, which I believe are common for any athlete. Typically, after a loss, I may feel upset for about 5-10 minutes, but then I quickly regain my composure and focus on the next game. I didn’t do anything special to overcome these setbacks; I simply accepted them as part of the journey and continued to move forward. - The Chess World Cup run and the Candidates Tournament are massive achievements. Which accomplishment means more to you personally and why?
Both the Chess World Cup run and qualifying for the Candidates Tournament are significant achievements in my career. However, personally, reaching the runner-up position in the World Cup holds special significance for me. Qualifying for the Candidates Tournament was unexpected, and it was a tough journey to reach that stage. The World Cup, being a challenging knockout event where one mistake could lead to elimination, made the accomplishment even more meaningful. - How do you want your chess legacy to be remembered?
I haven’t given much thought to my chess legacy. My primary focus is on working hard to achieve my goal of becoming a World Champion. - What impact do you hope to have on the game and on future generations of chess players?
I aspire to leave a lasting impact on the game by playing many memorable games that future generations of chess players can admire and learn from.
#RAPIDFIRE
- Blitz or Bullet?
Blitz - Queen sacrifice or Cunning play?
Queen sacrifice - Favourite opening move?
1.e4 - Focus music or silence?
Silence - Travel buddy or solo?
Travel buddy - Chess puns?
I can’t remember anything right now. - Simultaneous exhibitions?
I always enjoy giving simultaneous. I have given many times. - Bookworm or app enthusiast?
Not both, but if I have to choose one then app enthusiast - Chess AI: partner or overlord?
I would say AI is a partner - Alternate path besides chess?
I have been playing chess from the age of three, so I haven’t thought about any other path. If I have to choose one, then probably another sport.