NEW DELHI: Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has climbed back into the world’s top 10 chess players, securing the No. 8 spot in the latest FIDE ratings released for June 2026. With a gain of 10 rating points, Erigaisi is now the only Indian player featured in the top 10 rankings this month. FIDE highlighted his achievement while announcing the latest ratings.The latest rankings were influenced by several major tournaments, including the Super Chess Classic Romania, TePe Sigeman 2026, Sardinia World Chess Festival and Open International de Lecci. Erigaisi’s performances across these events helped him make a strong comeback among the world’s elite players.The June ratings also saw some notable movement at the top. Magnus Carlsen continues to be the table topper. USA Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana has gained four rating points and has risen back to World No. 2 after over a year.Another major mover was Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov, who reached a career-best ranking as world No. 4.One of the key events behind Erigaisi’s rise was the TePe Sigeman & Co Chess Tournament in Malmö, which produced a thrilling finish. For much of the tournament, a three-way tie for first place looked possible.Erigaisi found himself under pressure against Andy Woodward and appeared headed for defeat, but managed to escape with a draw. At the same time, Magnus Carlsen’s game against young talent Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus also seemed destined for a draw before the Norwegian star eventually found a way to win.That result set up a playoff between Carlsen and Erigaisi. While the Indian grandmaster put up a strong fight, Carlsen ultimately emerged victorious.Despite missing out on the title, Erigaisi’s performances throughout the event proved enough to boost his rating and return him to the world’s top 10.
