Based on recent reports, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa of India is currently ranked World No. 4 in live classical chess ratings, according to chess.com rankings updated on August 21, 2025. Other sources updated on August 20, 2025, indicated that he had risen to World No. 3 in live FIDE ratings after defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh in the opening round of the Sinquefield Cup 2025. Praggnanandhaa holds a live rating of 2784.0 or 2784.1 and is positioned behind Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.
Here’s a snapshot of the top chess players by rating, according to Chess.com’s live rankings as of August 21, 2025:
| Rank | Name | Classical Rating |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | GM Magnus Carlsen | 2839 |
| #2 | GM Hikaru Nakamura | 2807 |
| #3 | GM Fabiano Caruana | 2784 |
| #4 | GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu | 2779 |
| #5 | GM Gukesh Dommaraju | 2776 |
It’s important to note that live rankings can change frequently based on ongoing tournament results. Praggnanandhaa’s recent victory against the reigning world champion D Gukesh at the Sinquefield Cup 2025 has been a significant factor in his climb up the rankings. The Sinquefield Cup is the final leg of the Grand Chess Tour and holds significant importance in the 2025 chess calendar.
Praggnanandhaa, born on August 10, 2005, became an International Master at 10 years and 10 months and a Grandmaster at 12 years and 10 months. He has consistently demonstrated his prowess against some of the world’s top players, including defeating Magnus Carlsen in various time formats. He was also the runner-up in the 2023 Chess World Cup, which qualified him for the 2024 Candidates Tournament. This makes him one of the youngest grandmasters and world championship candidates ever.
