Praggnanandhaa Storms into Grand Chess Tour Final

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has stormed into the final of the 2026 Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis, producing a commanding 19-9 victory over Germany’s Vincent Keymer. Praggnanandhaa entered the rapid and blitz segment with a six-point advantage after winning the second classical game. He then defeated Keymer in both rapid games to establish an unassailable 17-3 lead before winning the opening blitz game to reach 19 points and seal his place in the final. Although the semifinal result had already been decided, the remaining blitz games were played as required by the tournament format, with Keymer winning all three and reducing the final margin to 19-9.

In the title clash, Praggnanandhaa will face American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, who defeated Wesley So 18-12 in the other semifinal. Caruana is the defending champion, while Praggnanandhaa will be aiming to win his first Grand Chess Tour Finals title. The tournament’s official format features classical, rapid and blitz games, with the four-player knockout determining the champion. Vincent Keymer and Wesley So will meet in the third-place match, with the winner earning direct qualification for the 2027 Grand Chess Tour.