In the world of chess, facing Magnus Carlsen, the world’s number one player is a dream for many. But imagine being just 9 years old and almost defeating him. That’s exactly what happened when Aarit Kapil, a young chess talent from Delhi, stunned the global chess community with his incredible performance.
Who is Aarit Kapil?
Aarit Kapil is a 9-year-old boy who lives in Mayur Vihar, Delhi. He studies in 5th grade at Somerville School and is already considered one of the most promising young chess players in India. He was introduced to chess at the age of 5 by his elder sister. Within a week, he began defeating casual players, showing early signs of extraordinary talent.
Aarit currently holds the title of Candidate Master (CM), given by the World Chess Federation (FIDE). His FIDE rating is about 2078, which is very good for his age. He practices chess for five to six hours every day and is trained by International Master Vishal Sareen.
The Game Against Magnus Carlsen
On June 25, 2025, Aarit participated in an online blitz tournament called ‘Early Titled Tuesday’, which was hosted on Chess.com. While playing from Georgia, where he was taking part in the World U-10 Championship, Aarit found himself up against Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked chess player and former World Champion.
What happened next shocked everyone. Aarit soon took control of the game. By the 31st move, he was in a completely winning position, with two advanced pawns supported by rooks. For a moment, it looked like a 9-year-old was about to defeat the best chess player in the world.
However, blitz chess is played under severe time pressure. With just 7 seconds left on his clock, Aarit was unable to find the precise moves to finish the game. Carlsen managed to recover, and the game ended in a draw after 49 moves. Even though he didn’t win, the chess world was amazed. Drawing with Carlsen at such a young age and almost beating him is a rare and historic achievement.
Also read: NBA Draft 2025 Explained: Key Dates, Top Picks, Where to Watch & How It Works
Previous Achievements
This wasn’t Aarit’s first headline-worthy moment. In December 2024, he won a classical chess game against Grandmaster Raset Ziatdinov. At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days, he became:
- The youngest Indian to ever defeat a Grandmaster in a classical chess match.
- The third youngest player in the world to do so.
These victories have made him one of India’s top young talents and a rising star in international chess.
Family Support and Future Goals
Aarit’s father, Vijay Kapil, works in the mutual funds industry and fully supports his son’s dream. He says that chess is Aarit’s only focus. The family is currently looking for sponsors to help fund Aarit’s participation in more global events. With the right support, his coach believes Aarit can become a Grandmaster in the near future.
Why Aarit’s Story Matters
Aarit’s journey is more than just about chess. It shows what young minds can achieve with dedication, guidance, and family support. Almost beating a legend like Carlsen at age 9 is something that will be remembered for a long time. He represents the new wave of Indian chess full of talent, discipline, and ambition. Conclusion
At just 9 years old, Aarit Kapil has already made a big impact in the chess world by nearly beating Magnus Carlsen and defeating a Grandmaster. His talent, dedication, and strong support system make him one of India’s brightest young chess stars. With continued focus and training, Aarit’s journey to becoming a Grandmaster looks very promising. Aarit Kapil isn’t just playing chess, he’s creating history with every move he makes.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
