Karthik Venkataraman, a 24-year-old chess Grandmaster from Tamil Nadu, has secured his spot in the 2025 World Cup after winning the National Championship for the second time. This victory marks a significant milestone in his career, especially considering his struggles with consistency in recent years.
Venkataraman’s journey to the top has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. In 2018, he achieved the prestigious title of Grandmaster, alongside prodigies R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh. However, while Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh have soared to the top of the world rankings, Venkataraman has faced challenges in maintaining a consistent level of performance.
Despite his rating of 2568, which places him outside the top 200, Venkataraman has demonstrated his ability to compete with the best. In 2022, he held world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura to draws in both their classical games at the World Cup. This encounter taught him valuable lessons about mental fortitude and the importance of controlling emotions in high-stakes matches.
To address his consistency issues, Venkataraman has adopted a new approach to training. He now incorporates puzzle-solving into his regimen, recognizing its benefits for improving his intuitive skills. Additionally, he has adjusted his tournament schedule, taking breaks between events to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Venkataraman’s victory at the National Championship is a testament to his determination and the effectiveness of his new strategies. He credits his success to a shift in mindset, realizing that doing the same things was not yielding the desired results. By embracing change and seeking guidance from experienced trainers, he has unlocked his potential and set himself on a path to greater achievements.
