V S Rathanvel becomes India’s 99th grandmaster, fulfils long-awaited dream after crossing 2500 Elo rating

India is closing in on having a landmark 100th Grandmaster after VS Rathanvel became the country's 99th GM after he crossed the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026 on Saturday.

India’s chess renaissance has been extraordinary, marked by R Praggnanandhaa’s 2026 Norway Chess triumph, R Vaishali’s victory at the FIDE Candidates, and D Gukesh’s reign as world champion. The surge has inspired a new generation of players across the nation.

Who is VS Rathanvel?

Rathanvel is a 25-year-old from Coimbatore and completed his three GM norms in 2022 but fell short of the required rating to become a chess Grandmaster. His patience was tested throughout the years before he finally overcame the challenge in 2026.

The 99th Indian GM's parents run a wedding card printing business in Coimbatore.

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The 25-year-old is a World Youth U10 bronze medalist and has been one of India's strongest International Masters for several years.

Also Read | Aswath S becomes India's 98th Grandmaster, 17-year-old secures third GM norm with win over FM Vaidyanathan

Rathanvel is a mechanical engineer by profession but is fully committed towards the game. He began training at the Kovai Kids Chess Academy and underwent coaching under various GMs like Vishnu Prasanna, Narayanan Srinath, Shyam Sundar and Sundarrajan Kidambi over the years.

Rathanvel satisfied after becoming India's newest GM

After achieving GM status, Rathanvel explained that repeated setbacks were mentally draining as the game can take a toll on a person's psyche, leading to self-doubt and impacting their performance.

He added that achieving the GM status would now allow him to approach the game more relaxed and stress-free, which he believes would help him perform better.

"I came very close on multiple occasions, so it becomes very depressing because chess is a mental sport and you suddenly start doubting yourself.

"That really affects a player's performance. So finally crossing the 2500 rating feels very satisfying.

"I'll be able to play stress-free and probably a bit more relaxed. I think that will help me perform better," Rathanvel said to PTI.

Indian chess was recently blessed with 3 GMs. The 96th one being Ethan Vaz, the 97th being Harshvardhan GB, and Aswath S being the 98th. With Rathanvel becoming the 99th GM, India is on the verge of making history.