India’s journey to becoming a chess powerhouse began with one man.

In 1988, Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster.

At the time, the achievement was historic. India had produced its first player to reach one of the highest titles in chess. What followed over the next few decades was a transformation that few could have predicted.

India gradually produced more Grandmasters. Dibyendu Barua followed Anand. Then came Praveen Thipsay, Krishnan Sasikiran, Pentala Harikrishna, Koneru Humpy and several others.

But the real explosion came in the last decade.

A new generation led by players such as Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh turned India into one of the world’s biggest chess-producing nations.

In 2026, V. S. Rathanvel became India’s 99th Grandmaster, bringing the country within touching distance of another historic milestone: 100 Grandmasters.

Quick Facts

• First Indian Grandmaster: Viswanathan Anand
• Year of first GM: 1988
• Latest milestone: 99 Grandmasters
• 99th Indian Grandmaster: V. S. Rathanvel
• Period covered: 1988–2026
• Next milestone: India’s 100th Grandmaster

Complete List of India’s Grandmasters

The following database lists India’s Grandmasters in chronological order.

Note: Grandmaster chronology can differ depending on whether a source uses the date on which a player completed the title requirements or the date on which FIDE formally ratified the title. Names and state affiliations should also be individually verified against official records before treating this as a permanent historical database.

From One Grandmaster to a Chess Powerhouse

India’s rise in chess can broadly be divided into three phases.

1. The Viswanathan Anand Era

For many years, Viswanathan Anand was India’s only Grandmaster and its biggest chess icon.

His success changed the perception of chess in India. Anand showed that an Indian player could compete with the best players in the world and eventually become a World Champion.

More importantly, he inspired generations of young players to take up the game.

2. The Growth of Indian Chess

The 2000s saw India steadily produce more Grandmasters.

Players such as Krishnan Sasikiran, Pentala Harikrishna, Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli and Surya Shekhar Ganguly helped create a stronger Indian presence on the international circuit.

The Grandmaster count was growing, but Indian chess was still searching for the depth that the world’s major chess nations possessed.

3. The Grandmaster Boom

The last decade changed everything.

India began producing Grandmasters at an unprecedented rate.

Young players were receiving better coaching, gaining more international exposure and benefiting from a stronger domestic chess ecosystem.

Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh became Grandmasters as teenagers. Arjun Erigaisi emerged as one of the world’s strongest players. Vaishali made history alongside her brother Praggnanandhaa, while Divya Deshmukh became another major name from India’s remarkable young generation.

The result is clear: India went from one Grandmaster in 1988 to 99 by 2026.

Which State Has Produced the Most Indian Grandmasters?

Tamil Nadu has been at the heart of India’s chess revolution and has produced a remarkable number of Grandmasters.

The state has been home to some of India’s biggest names in chess, including Viswanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh and Vaishali.

However, India’s chess success is no longer limited to one state.

Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi, Gujarat, Goa, Odisha and other parts of the country have all contributed Grandmasters to India’s growing list.

This geographical spread is one of the strongest indicators of India’s chess boom.

Indian Women Grandmasters

India’s chess story is not limited to male players.

Koneru Humpy became India’s first woman to earn the open Grandmaster title. Harika Dronavalli followed, while R. Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh represent the new generation of Indian women making history on the global stage.

Their achievements have played an important role in expanding the depth and reach of Indian chess.

The Race to India’s 100th Grandmaster

India is now just one Grandmaster away from another historic milestone.

The question is no longer whether India will produce its 100th Grandmaster.

The question is: Who will get there first?

Given the number of young Indian players currently competing at the highest levels, the wait may not be long.

From Viswanathan Anand in 1988 to 99 Grandmasters in 2026, Indian chess has travelled an extraordinary distance.

The next chapter will be even more interesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was India’s first chess Grandmaster?

Viswanathan Anand was India’s first chess Grandmaster. He achieved the title in 1988.

How many Grandmasters does India have?

As of August 2026, India has 99 Grandmasters.

Who is India’s 99th Grandmaster?

V. S. Rathanvel is India’s 99th Grandmaster.

Who was India’s first woman Grandmaster?

Koneru Humpy was India’s first woman to earn the open Grandmaster title.

Who will be India’s 100th Grandmaster?

India’s 100th Grandmaster has not yet been determined. Several young Indian players are close to achieving the title.

Sources and Verification

This article should be maintained using the following primary and specialist sources:

• FIDE player profiles and official title records
• All India Chess Federation announcements
• ChessBase India historical and milestone reports

Last updated: August 2026

Editor’s note: This is a living database. The list will be updated when India produces its 100th Grandmaster and subsequent Grandmasters.