Magnus Carlsen has offered another strong endorsement of R Praggnanandhaa, saying he is a fan of the Indian grandmaster and enjoys watching his chess. The praise is notable because it comes from the player who has repeatedly faced Praggnanandhaa in elite events and understands the pressure he can create first-hand.
What Carlsen seems to value
Praggnanandhaa is known for playing actively and forcing opponents to solve difficult problems rather than simply steering toward safe positions. That willingness to create tension is part of why even top players can find him uncomfortable to face.
Their rivalry has grown over several years
Praggnanandhaa famously beat Carlsen in rapid chess as a teenager and later reached the 2023 FIDE World Cup final against him. He has continued to score important wins against Carlsen in Norway Chess, reinforcing that the early upsets were not isolated moments.
Praise from a rival carries different weight
Elite players are often careful with public evaluations because they know exactly how strong the competition is. Carlsen’s repeated positive comments suggest he sees Praggnanandhaa not merely as a talented junior, but as an established force with a distinctive competitive style.
What to watch
The next step is sustained success in the biggest classical events and world-championship qualification cycles. Indian chess now has several contenders, so every elite result also shapes an unusually competitive national hierarchy.
Bottom line
Praggnanandhaa’s reputation is no longer built on being young. It is increasingly built on being the kind of opponent even Magnus Carlsen genuinely enjoys — and respects — playing.
Source: The Indian Express
