Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh D may grab all the limelight, but right now, there’s a different kind of prodigy making waves in the world of chess: Abhimanyu Puranik. The 25-year-old Indian Grandmaster recently stunned chess enthusiasts worldwide by defeating the sensational talent Divya Deshmukh, the youngest-ever Women’s World Cup champion. So, who exactly is Abhimanyu Puranik? Let’s look at the story behind the prodigy who outplayed one of the brightest stars in Indian chess.
Abhimanyu Puranik: Early Life and Rising Star
Abhimanyu Puranik was born on February 11, 2000, in Mumbai but was raised in Pune. Abhimanyu’s journey with chess began surprisingly early. At just five, inspired by a family friend, he learned the basics of the game. The little hyperactive kid soon found his calling, and chess became the calming yet exciting outlet he so desperately needed. His parent, a pillar of support, encouraged his passion from day one, allowing him to enrol in chess academies and dedicate himself fully to the game.
Chess wasn’t just a hobby for Abhimanyu Puranik; it was an all-consuming passion. During his early years, he played tirelessly, often directly after school, battling peers with unmatched zeal. He remembers a unique motivation from those days: winning one-rupee coins for every game won. This simple yet powerful incentive fueled his competitive spirit, pushing him to seek out every opportunity.
Climbing the Ranks
Abhimanyu Puranik’s commitment bore fruit as he quickly went up the ranks. By 2010, he had already made a mark by winning medals at youth world championships and earning the title of Candidate Master at a young age. His progress was steady and deliberate, earning the International Master (IM) title in 2015 and elevating himself to Grandmaster (GM) status in 2017, achieving India’s 49th GM milestone.
The Match That Turned Heads: Defeating Divya Deshmukh
Fast forward to September 2025 at the fiercely competitive Grand Swiss Tournament. Fresh from a relaxing Disneyland vacation, Abhimanyu Puranik faced off against Indian chess sensation Divya Deshmukh. Divya, just 19, had recently claimed the Women’s World Cup and was widely expected to dominate in the encounter.
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But Abhimanyu had other plans. In a nearly six-hour-long chess marathon, he swiftly outplayed Divya, demonstrating not just superior strategy but immense patience and mental resilience. Despite being her mentor, Abhimanyu showed no mercy, acknowledging Divya’s immense talent while asserting his own standing as a force in Indian chess.
The Prodigy’s Future
Abhimanyu Puranik’s journey is still far from over. With a peak rating of 2652 in late 2024 and steady performances across global tournaments, many experts believe the best is yet to come.
Also read: Divya Deshmukh Becomes The Only Indian Woman In FIDE Grand Swiss 2025
