The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 produced a dramatic moment when chess legend Boris Gelfand lost to Praggnanandhaa after committing one costly blunder. The game, which had remained balanced for most of the middle phase, shifted entirely in the young Indian grandmaster’s favor because of a single oversight.
Praggnanandhaa capitalized immediately, showing his sharp tactical awareness. He turned the mistake into a winning advantage within just a few moves. Analysts noted that Gelfand had built a solid position earlier, but the sudden error opened the door for Praggnanandhaa to dominate. This match once again proved that even experienced legends cannot afford to relax against rising stars.
Transitioning from defense to attack, Praggnanandhaa displayed remarkable composure. He pressed his advantage with precision, forcing Gelfand into a series of difficult moves. The audience and commentators praised his calm approach, as he converted the position into a clean victory.
The result highlights a bigger shift in world chess. While veterans like Gelfand bring decades of experience, young talents such as Praggnanandhaa are redefining competition. His win over Gelfand not only added a vital point in the tournament standings but also boosted his confidence for upcoming rounds.
Fans across the chess community celebrated the moment, seeing it as a symbolic clash between generations. The fact that Boris Gelfand lost to Praggnanandhaa with one single blunder emphasizes the ruthless precision required at the highest level of chess.
With this victory, Praggnanandhaa strengthened his position at the FIDE Grand Swiss and showed once again why many consider him the future of Indian chess.