India, Feb. 21 -- As per the latest live Elo ratings, D Gukesh has established himself as India's top chess player and has fulfilled his reputation as the new World Chess Champion. The 18-year-old triumphed over Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship held in Singapore last year, making him the youngest world champion in history.

Following this landmark achievement, Gukesh opted out of the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Championships in New York, as he was occupied with various felicitation events and fatigued from his preparations for the championship match against Liren. He made his return to competitive play in 2025, participating in the Tata Masters in Wijk aan Zee in January. Throughout much of the tournament, he maintained a leading position and appeared poised to secure the championship. However, a loss to Arjun Erigaisi in the final round forced Gukesh into a decisive tiebreaker against R Praggnanandhaa.

Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious, defeating Gukesh to claim the title. Despite this setback, Gukesh's strong performances throughout the tournament allowed him to surpass Erigaisi, positioning him as the current World No. 3 with an Elo rating of 2787.2. Magnus Carlsen leads the rankings with a rating of 2833, followed by American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura at 2802.

Recently, Gukesh competed in the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, where he finished in eighth place. His winless streak included a loss to Magnus Carlsen, who did not participate in the previous FIDE World Championship cycle and is also absent from the current one.

Carlsen remains the World No. 1, holding the record for the highest peak rating in history at 2882. He is a five-time World Chess Champion, a five-time World Rapid champion, and the reigning co-holder of the World Blitz title alongside Ian Nepomniachtchi. Additionally, he holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in elite classical chess, spanning 125 games. The Norwegian chose not to defend his World Chess Championship title in 2023, citing a lack of motivation.

During an interview at the Weissenhaus Freestyle Grand Slam, Gukesh was inquired about the possibility of surpassing Carlsen to become the highest-rated player in chess history. To the astonishment of many, the young prodigy replied with assurance, "I do think it is possible."

He further elaborated, acknowledging the significant challenges involved, particularly given that the top ratings have generally been lower in recent years compared to the past. "Perhaps in a few more years, it could be achievable, but in the near future, it seems unlikely," he remarked.

Gukesh's highest FIDE Elo rating stands at 2794, a milestone he reached in October of the previous year. He is anticipated to compete in the forthcoming Paris Freestyle Grand Slam alongside Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa. Additionally, the Norway Chess 2025 event will feature a match between Gukesh and Carlsen, where the Indian Grandmaster aims to assert his position among the greatest players in chess history.

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