MGD1 Makes History: First Indian Team to Win FIDE World Rapid Team Championship

London, June 14, 2025

Chess history was made today as Team MGD1 became the first Indian team to win the FIDE World Rapid Team Championship. The sixth-seeded squad, featuring Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi, Pentala Harikrishna, Leon Mendonca, David Anton Guijarro, Tsolakidou Stovroula, Pranav, Atharva Tayade, and captain Srinath Narayanan, secured victory after a thrilling final day.

MGD1 posted 10 wins from 12 rounds over three days, edging out Team Hexamind by a single point. Their journey wasn’t without challenges—after a draw against Team Freedom and a loss to Hexamind, they needed a flawless finish to stay in contention. Rising to the occasion, MGD1 won all four rounds on the final day, sealing the title with decisive victories against Malcolm’s Mates.

Arjun Erigaisi, ranked World No. 3, was the star of the final day, scoring 3.5 points out of 4 after a tough second day. His crucial wins against Richard Rapport, Jose Martinez, and Luke McShane helped MGD1 clinch the championship. Pranav also delivered a stellar performance, winning all four of his final-day games, including a key victory over GM Ivan Saric.

"This is very special! With the Indian team in the Olympiad, we were favorites to win, but here with Team MGD1, we were the underdogs. And yet, we won gold again!" said Captain Srinath Narayanan.

With this victory, MGD1 joins the ranks of WR Chess and Al-Ain ACMG UAE, the previous champions of the tournament. The chess world now eagerly awaits the Blitz Championship, where MGD1 will aim for a historic double.