A nine-year-old Delhi boy named Aarit Kapil nearly defeats Magnus Carlsen, stunning the chess world with his prodigious talent. Aarit, a rising star from Mayur Vihar, showcased his skills in the FIDE World Cadets Cup and an online Titled Tuesday event on chess.com. His remarkable journey highlights his potential to become a future Grandmaster.
Aarit’s Meteoric Rise in Chess
Aarit’s chess journey began at age five when he outplayed his father, Vijay, a casual player. “Within a week, he was beating me at the game,” Vijay said. His parents tested his skills by removing pieces, yet Aarit consistently won. Under International Master Vishal Sareen’s coaching, Aarit clinched an international tournament with a Rs 15,000 prize at five. In December 2024, he defeated Grandmaster Raset Ziatdinov. By February 2025, Aarit earned the Candidate Master title, solidifying his reputation.
On June 24, 2025, Aarit competed in the FIDE World Cadets Cup in Batumi, Georgia. On a whim, he joined the Titled Tuesday event, facing elite Grandmasters like Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen. Aarit drew against Carlsen, shouting, “Draw kar diya, Magnus ko draw kar diya!” His parents erupted in celebration, amazed by his fearlessness. “He doesn’t get nervous when facing big players. He gets really excited,” said his mother, Nisha.
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Overcoming Challenges and Chasing Dreams
Aarit’s journey includes setbacks. In the 2024 National Under-9 Open, he faced Nidhish Shyamal, another prodigy. Leading by half a point, Aarit played confidently but miscalculated. “I didn’t know that he had a better tie-break score,” Aarit said. Nidhish capitalized on Aarit’s mistake, winning with a 9.5/11 score. “I was angry with myself,” Aarit admitted, but he quickly resumed practicing.
Financially, the Kapil family faces challenges. Vijay and Nisha run a mutual fund business and rent a modest apartment. Despite a Rs 25,000 monthly grant from the All-India Chess Federation, funding international tournaments remains tough. “It’s easier to get sponsors in the Southern states or Maharashtra,” Vijay noted. Determined, he added, “My children will want for nothing.” Aarit’s coaches believe he has Grandmaster potential, and his parents foster his confidence. “Half the battle is won when he is confident,” Nisha said. Vijay likened chess to mutual funds: “Those who stick with the game are the ones who move forward.”
The near victory of Aarit Kapil against Magnus Carlsen proves that talent and determination can challenge the best. With continued support, Aarit Kapil may soon dominate the global chess stage.
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