After a four-month wait, Vaishali Rameshbabu has officially attained the prestigious title of grandmaster, as confirmed by FIDE’s recent approval of title applications. This achievement marks a historic moment as she becomes the first woman from India and the 42nd globally to achieve the grandmaster title, joining her brother GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu to create the first brother-sister GM duo in chess history.
Recognised for her outstanding accomplishments, Vaishali was honoured with the Arjuna Award in January, further strengthening her status as a rising star in the world of chess. Ahead of the 2024 Women’s Candidates Tournament, Vaishali engaged in an insightful conversation with IM Levy Rozman, shedding light on various aspects of her journey, including her path to meeting the requirements for the grandmaster title and her competitors in the Candidates tournament.
Vaishali’s remarkable feat is part of a larger group of newly titled players approved by FIDE, including nine grandmasters, two woman grandmasters, 40 international masters, and seven women international masters. Among the notable players who achieved the grandmaster title alongside Vaishali are GM Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux from Canada and 15-year-old GM Ediz Gurel from Turkiye.
The group of new international masters is led by 15-year-old IM Brewington Hardaway, showcasing the rising talent in the chess world. Notable women players, who attained the title of international masters, include IMs Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova of the United States, Sarah Papp of Germany, and Meruert Kamalidenova.
While the journey to becoming a grandmaster involves achieving a 2,500 rating and three norms, the formal approval of the title occurs at FIDE meetings. However, it is rare for FIDE to deny a title application, and players are typically considered to have earned the title upon meeting the requirements.
With Vaishali’s groundbreaking achievement, she continues to inspire a new generation of chess players, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the world of chess.
