World No. 3 Arjun Erigaisi Eyes FIDE Candidates Qualification After Chess Olympiad Glory | Exclusive

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Arjun Erigaisi's performance at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest cemented his place as one of India's brightest chess stars. Leading India to a historic victory, the young Grandmaster achieved a remarkable 6-0 result in his first six games, playing a pivotal role in India's first-ever triumph in the prestigious team tournament.

Following his exploits in Budapest, the 21-year-old Indian Grandmaster, in the latest FIDE rankings, jumped 19 places and now finds himself at the third spot. Gukesh D is the second Indian in the top 10 in the fifth position.

"It feels wonderful; it's the best possible outcome from this Olympiad. We won two gold medals, and I also won individual gold," Erigaisi shared, reflecting on his achievement with humility. Also Read: Vantika Eyes Grandmaster Title After Historic Chess Olympiad Win

This victory didn't come easily, but Erigaisi's dominance was undeniable. Finishing the tournament with an outstanding 10 points from 11 games, he remained undefeated, securing nine victories and drawing twice. His most impressive scalp was the highly-rated Dominguez Perez Leinier of the USA, a player rated at 2740.

"Scoring 10 out of 11 and contributing immensely to the team feels amazing. It was a complete team effort," Erigaisi emphasized, highlighting the collective spirit that fueled India's success.

Reflecting on the evolution of Indian chess, Erigaisi observed how the team outdid its bronze-medal finish at the 2022 Olympiad. "Everyone has contributed, which is a big boost. Last time, we started with two teams, but this time we had just one," he remarked, signalling the growing depth and unity in Indian chess.

Erigaisi's meteoric rise, from a 2500-rated player to surpassing the 2700 mark, speaks volumes about his dedication. He credits confidence as the key to his success, stating, "In 2021, I had a close game against Levon Aronian. That gave me a lot of confidence, and that was the start of it."

As for the future, Erigaisi's focus remains on self-improvement. "My goal is to improve my chess level, and if I do, I will automatically qualify for the Candidates. So, I'm focusing on improving my game," he concluded, with determination guiding his path forward.