Viswanathan Anand, the Indian chess legend, has lauded the tactical prowess of India's top-ranked player, Arjun Erigaisi, after a recent match where Anand overcame Erigaisi. Anand's comment, "Arjun generates tactics out of thin air," speaks volumes about the young Grandmaster's creative and unpredictable approach to the game.

Arjun Erigaisi has been making waves in the chess world. As of June 9, 2025, he overtook D Gukesh in the FIDE chess rankings to become the new India No. 1. In the June FIDE rankings, Erigaisi occupies the third position with 2782 Elo rating points. However, after the conclusion of Norway Chess 2025, Erigaisi fell to fourth position in the live chess rankings, with 2778.6 Elo rating points.

Beyond his impressive FIDE ranking, Arjun has achieved several milestones recently. In May 2025, he became the first Indian chess player to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025, to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He secured his spot after a strong performance in the Champions Chess Tour, demonstrating his skills in both classical and rapid formats.

Anand's praise isn't the first time the chess legend has acknowledged Erigaisi's talent. Back in 2022, Anand highlighted Erigaisi's strength and competitiveness, noting his ability to challenge any opponent. He also acknowledged Erigaisi's tactical sharpness, which is a sentiment echoed in his recent comment. Similarly, other figures in the chess world have recognized Arjun's capabilities. After Arjun won the Tata Steel Challengers event in 2022, Magnus Carlsen praised Arjun's playing style.

Despite his successes, Erigaisi has faced challenges. In late 2024, his hopes for Candidates 2026 qualification through the FIDE Circuit rating ended. Additionally, Magnus Carlsen had previously commented on a "mental" aspect affecting Erigaisi's performance during the Tata Steel Chess event earlier this year, where Erigaisi lost 21 rating points over six games.

Arjun's journey is a testament to the rising strength of Indian chess. He is part of a generation of young Indian Grandmasters, including D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, who are making their mark on the global stage. The nation now boasts multiple players ranked among the world's top, showcasing the depth of talent within the country.

While Erigaisi's loss to Anand may sting, the compliment from such an accomplished player underscores his potential and the exciting future that lies ahead. His ability to conjure tactics "out of thin air" makes him a formidable opponent and a player to watch in the years to come.