India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster: Raahul VS Triumphs at ASEAN Championship

Indian chess continues its remarkable rise on the global stage as Raahul VS officially becomes India’s 91st Grandmaster (GM). Clinching the title at the 6th ASEAN Individual Championship 2025, Raahul secured the GM norm with a round to spare, highlighting his dominance and composure in international competition. This achievement reinforces India’s growing prominence in world chess and its consistent production of top-tier talent.

Raahul VS: Journey to Grandmaster

Raahul VS’s journey to the Grandmaster title reflects dedication, consistent performance, and strategic mastery. He had earned his International Master (IM) title in November 2021, having achieved five IM norms and surpassing the 2400 live rating benchmark. At the ASEAN Individual Championship 2025, Raahul’s performance was so commanding that he secured the title a round early, proving he was more than ready for the highest honor in chess. With this, Raahul not only adds his name to the elite GM list but also contributes to India’s ever-expanding chess legacy.

Recent Grandmaster Additions in 2025

90th Grandmaster: Illamparthi AR

• Just a week before Raahul’s triumph, Illamparthi AR from Chennai became India’s 90th Grandmaster.
• He earned his final GM norm at the Bijeljina Open 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• The young prodigy has been one of India’s fastest-rising talents on the chessboard

89th Grandmaster: S Rohith Krishna

In August 2025, S Rohith Krishna became India’s 89th Grandmaster,

• His success came at the Almaty Masters Qonaev Cup in Kazakhstan, scoring 6/9
• He also surpassed the critical 2500 Elo rating, completing the final GM requirement
• These successive GM titles in just a few months reflect India’s deepening bench strength in chess.

What is a Grandmaster Title?

The Grandmaster (GM) title is the highest title awarded by FIDE, the International Chess Federation. It is ranked above,

• International Master (IM)
• FIDE Master (FM)
• Candidate Master (CM)

To achieve the GM title, a player must,

• Secure three GM norms in international tournaments
• Cross the 2500 Elo rating at any point in their career

Earning this title is considered the pinnacle of individual chess achievement, representing a mix of strategic skill, tactical depth, and mental endurance.