Chess Popularity in India: Why Indian Chess Players are still underrated?

Chess has grown immensely in India and credit should be given to all stakeholders who have worked hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely popular.

Chess popularity has grown in multifold ways- be it organizing tournaments, infrastructure, and players coming up the ranks to make name for themselves.

Based on latest FIDE (Federation of International Chess) stated in distinct media outlets “There are 3 Indian Players in Top 10 rankings which include- Arjun Erigasi, 5th place occupies D Gukesh Spot and eventually R Praggnandhaa is currently placed at 7th spot speaks a volume about how much Indian Chess has grown immensely in last few years”

Despite 3 Indians being in Top 10, Why still Indian Chess Players are Underrated? We will explore that questions that in detail:

 

1. Some of the states, including the likes of Tamil Nadu and Kolkata where Chess popularity is on different level and young students are learning the nuances of game to exponentially different level.

2. Chess ecosystem in schools where players are competing against each other and developing their skills and becoming top notch player is second to none.

3. If you currently look at the numbers of players who attained Grandmaster status, most of them hails from Tamil Nadu speaks a volume about School level curriculum where Chess is mandatory part of their syllabus.

4.  Chess being mandatory subject means most students are developing competitive spirit, right from school age where they are learning nuances of the game.

5. Due to competitive nature of tournament, participating in school and club level tournaments eventually when they reach at the top most level they are prepared to face the competition.

 

The biggest question which arises where top 3 chess players who are placed in FIDE Latest rankings have more than 2700 ELO points failed to attract fans towards Chess.

The reason why Indian Chess ecosystem having 3 players in Top 10 have failed to attract the attention of fans could be resolved based on Smart Marketing where the achievements of all Indian players should be telecasted live and share via social media post on all platforms, the best way it can be done to explore all three platforms- TV, Digital and Print Media where they can showcase all the stuff about Indian Players vividly.

 

The Indian Chess ecosystem needs correct planning from all stakeholders who could build policies to make Chess as self sustaining and popular entity.

The bigger events like Chess Olympiad should be organized on regular basis, so that India can possibly establish their name on Chess Pedestal.

There are various sites like Chessbase24.com, ChessbaseIndia where all the information regarding Chess is beautifully covered where any layman could possibly understand the nuances of the game.

Chess needs more involvement from Private stakeholders, who can invest heavily in these sports so that infrastructure could be properly built in place.

Indian Chess needs proper planning, infrastructural guidance and more leagues on consistent basis so that Sport can grow to exponential level

Arjun Erigaisi (World No. 3), D. Gukesh (World No. 5), and R. Praggnanandhaa (World No. 7), ranking among the world’s top 10 in 2025, has taken Indian chess to a remarkable height. This remarkable achievement showcases India’s growth as a chess powerhouse.

Yet, despite this success, Indian chess struggles to attract significant marketing and sponsorship. There are several factors contributing to this situation, including limited mainstream media appeal, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of strategic promotion.

Chess, while intellectually exciting, lacks the mass appeal of sports like cricket or football in India. Cricket dominates the country’s sporting culture, drawing billions in sponsorship due to its widespread popularity and television viewership.

Chess, by contrast, is perceived as a niche activity, appealing primarily to its admirers. Even with top-ranked players, the game struggles to capture the imagination of the average Indian consumer, making it less attractive to brands seeking broad visibility.

The absence of chess in mainstream media further limits its marketability, as brands prioritize sports with larger, more engaged audiences.

India’s chess ecosystem lacks the infrastructure to translate individual success into marketable opportunities. Unlike cricket, which benefits from a robust network of leagues, stadiums, and media coverage, chess events are often underfunded and poorly publicized.

Tournaments featuring top players like Arjun, Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa rarely receive prime-time coverage or significant promotional campaigns. This lack of visibility reduces the opportunity for brands to invest in chess, as the return on investment remains uncertain.

Additionally, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has faced criticism for its inconsistent efforts in promoting the sport, further hindering marketing prospects.

In India, chess is often viewed as an intellectual pursuit rather than a competitive sport. This perception diminishes its appeal to marketers who associate sports sponsorships with glamour, excitement, and mass entertainment. While players like Viswanathan Anand have elevated chess’s profile, the sport still struggles to shed its image as a cerebral, low-energy activity.

Brands are more likely to sponsor athletes in physically dynamic sports that align with aspirational lifestyles, leaving chess players with fewer endorsement opportunities despite their global rankings.

Although Arjun, Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa are prodigies, they have not yet been packaged as marketable personalities. Unlike cricketers who are household names, these young chess stars lack the media presence and personal branding needed to attract sponsors.

Building a compelling story around their journeys, such as Gukesh’s rise as a World Champion or Praggnanandhaa’s brilliance, could help. However, without strategic efforts to promote their personalities, achievements, and rivalries, brands remain hesitant to invest.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q-1: Which Indian Players are in Top 10 rankings in FIDE 2025? 

Answer: There are 3 Indian Chess Players in Top 10 rankings in FIDE 2025 and they are: 

1. Arjun Erigaisi currently placed at 3rd spot 
2. D Gukesh placed at 5th spot 
3. R Pragganandha placed at 7th spot 

 

Q-2:  What role All India Chess Federation play? Why the sport is all set to grow in times to come? 

Answer: The All India Chess Federation play an important role in operating Chess all over India, where all the policies should be established in such a way Chess can flourish at all levels in the country. The sport is ought to grow in times to come, where the ecosystem is quite supportive. 

 

Q-3: Why D Gukesh is in highlight against Magnus Carlsen? 

Answer: D Gukesh became the most highlighted men in last few months where he defeated Magnus Carlsen in Rapid Chess Tournament . 

This became second stance in Chess, when any Indian player defeated Carlsen for second time in the row. 

Overall Chess needs smart marketing, infrastructural building, developing competitiveness from school level to highest level could be done only if Federation, stakeholders and everyone is on the same page.