I need to play a bit more solidly: Arjun Erigaisi | Chess News

CHENNAI: Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has flirted with a Candidates Tournament spot more than once, always within striking distance but never quite over the line. In December last year, he came agonisingly close at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York, only to fall short once again. Yet, 2025 feels different to him.
The 21-year-old believes he’s stronger, sharper, and ready to turn those near misses into a breakthrough. In an interview with TOI, Erigaisi spoke about his near misses, handling pressure.
Excerpts:
On coming close to securing a Candidates spot at World Rapid C’ship:
Yeah, it was a near miss. But it’s not the only spot – there are still seven more. Of course, it would have been nice to qualify. But I have a feeling this year is going to bring a different result.
On the pressure going into the world event as one of the favourites:
It didn’t pressurise me as such. I think I played decently here. Last time, in 2023, it was very hurtful. Now, I don’t look at it as pressure. I feel that two years ago, I was already very close, and now that I’m much stronger, I believe I will definitely be able to qualify this year.
On how crucial the upcoming year is for a Candidates seat:
Of course, my main focus right now is to qualify for Candidates. The Tata Steel Chess event in Wijk aan Zee had many takeaways for me. Uzbek trainer Rustam Kasimdzhanov is my coach. I’ll try my best to get stronger.
On beating the world champion D Gukesh at Wijk aan Zee this year:
I played horribly in the tournament. It was still a really bad event. Winning a couple of games was nice, but beating the world champion didn’t change much for me.
On playing the six-player Norway elite meet from May 26:
I am excited about it. There will be more exciting chess as players will take more risks.