Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa clinched the Tata Steel Masters 2025 title by defeating World Champion D Gukesh in a dramatic tiebreaker in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, on February 2 (Sunday). Praggnanandhaa made history as he became the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2006 to win the top honours at the prestigious Tata Steel Masters.
Both grandmasters finished the 13th round tied for the top spot with 8.5 points each after facing shocking setbacks, with Arjun Erigaisi displaying impressive form to defeat Gukesh in 31 moves, while Germany’s Vincent Keymer outlasted Praggnanandhaa in a seven-hour marathon. Despite these setbacks, they both managed to secure 5.5 points each, keeping them as joint leaders.
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Coming to Sunday’s match, the players battled it out in two rapid games, each lasting three minutes with a two-second increment per move. After two rounds of tiebreakers, Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa were still tied, leading to a Sudden Death scenario. The game appeared destined for a draw in the final 10 seconds, but a blunder from Gukesh handed Praggnanandhaa the victory, who claimed the prestigious title.
Losing the tiebreaker, Gukesh was visibly sad, leaning back in his chair and letting out a sigh before shaking Praggnanandhaa’s hand.
Here’s a video of R Praggnanandhaa winning the Tata Steel Masters 2025:
Pragg wins the tiebreak and is our new Tata Steel Masters Champ!! 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/o8FtpcB9fD
— Tata Steel Chess Tournament (@tatasteelchess) February 2, 2025
— Tata Steel Chess Tournament (@tatasteelchess) February 2, 2025
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Here’s a video of the match:
Gukesh over-presses in an equal endgame and loses a piece! Praggnanandhaa wins the #TataSteelChess Masters! pic.twitter.com/MHkOZ6vnnd
— chess24 (@chess24com) February 2, 2025
