V S Rathanvel has become India’s 99th Grandmaster, adding another major chapter to the country’s growing success in chess. The achievement came after he crossed the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026, completing a long-held goal.
Rathanvel’s rise to the Grandmaster title is being seen as the fulfilment of a five-year dream. Reaching the 2500 Elo benchmark is a crucial step in securing the GM distinction, and his breakthrough now places him among the elite names in Indian chess.
The moment is also significant beyond one player’s career. With Rathanvel becoming the 99th Grandmaster, India has moved within touching distance of the symbolic 100-GM milestone. That number reflects both the depth of talent in the country and the steady progress of Indian chess on the global stage.
His success highlights the momentum Indian chess continues to build, with new players regularly pushing into top ranks and major titles. Rathanvel’s Grandmaster achievement stands out as both a personal triumph and an important marker in India’s broader chess journey.
