Meet Aarit Kapil, 9-year-old from Delhi’s Mayur Vihar, who nearly beat Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz game

In a moment that stunned the global chess community, Aarit Kapil, a 9-year-old chess prodigy from Mayur Vihar in Delhi, came tantalizingly close to defeating Magnus Carlsen, the former World Chess Champion, in an online blitz game. The game, played on a public online chess platform, captured the imagination of fans around the world, and sparked fresh conversations about the rising wave of young Indian chess talent.

A Glimpse of Brilliance at Just Nine

While most children his age are still exploring hobbies and figuring out interests, Aarit Kapil has already carved out a space for himself on the international chess radar. With a calm demeanor and razor-sharp focus far beyond his years, Aarit played a near-perfect blitz game against Carlsen—one of the greatest chess players in history.

The five-minute blitz match was fast, dynamic, and thrilling to watch. Though Carlsen eventually managed to clinch the win, he was pushed to the edge by the young Indian, who maintained a strong position throughout the game. Several seasoned chess players and coaches who reviewed the match praised Aarit’s positional understanding, time management, and maturity.

The Making of a Prodigy

Aarit’s chess journey began at the age of five when his father, an avid chess enthusiast himself, introduced him to the basics of the game. What started as a casual pastime soon evolved into a daily routine filled with puzzles, online tournaments, and coaching sessions. Within just a couple of years, Aarit was outperforming older children in his age group and winning medals in local competitions.

His parents quickly realized their son’s potential and enrolled him in formal chess coaching under International Master-level guidance. From there, Aarit’s game grew exponentially. Today, he practices for several hours a day, solves tactical problems for fun, and watches the games of Grandmasters to analyze different strategies.

A Game That Made Headlines

The online blitz match against Carlsen was not part of a formal tournament but occurred during a live stream where Carlsen was taking on random challengers from the global pool. When Aarit’s username popped up on the screen, few watching the stream realized that a nine-year-old was about to go head-to-head with a chess legend.

What followed was a game filled with intense exchanges, positional depth, and tactical brilliance. Aarit played fearlessly, sacrificing material for activity and keeping Carlsen on the defensive. At one point, many viewers speculated that Carlsen might actually lose on the clock or fall into a trap. Though Carlsen ultimately leveraged his vast experience to secure a narrow win, the young challenger had made his mark.

After the game, Carlsen reportedly smiled in surprise and admiration, acknowledging in the post-stream chat that “that kid played really well.” For Aarit and his family, it was a surreal and unforgettable moment.

India’s Young Chess Wave

Aarit Kapil’s near-win is not an isolated incident but part of a broader trend: India is quickly becoming a powerhouse in global chess. With legends like Viswanathan Anand paving the way, a new generation of Indian players—including R Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh D, and Vaishali Rameshbabu—have been making waves in international tournaments.

What makes Aarit’s story even more compelling is his age. At just nine, he’s already facing off against elite players and holding his own. His coach believes that with the right support system, Aarit could become a Grandmaster before the age of 14.

Balancing Childhood and Competition

Despite his growing fame, Aarit remains a grounded and cheerful child. His parents ensure that he balances academics, physical activity, and playtime. “We don’t want him to burn out. He enjoys chess, and that’s what matters most to us,” says his mother.

In an interview with a local chess blog, Aarit expressed his admiration for Magnus Carlsen, calling him his favorite player. “I love his endgame skills and how calm he is. I never thought I’d get to play him, let alone almost beat him,” he said with a smile.

What’s Next for Aarit?

The buzz surrounding the match has opened up new opportunities for Aarit. Chess academies have taken notice, and he’s been invited to participate in advanced training camps. His coaches are now preparing him for national and international under-10 tournaments in the coming year.

There are also discussions of sponsorships and scholarships that could support his development further. As online chess continues to bridge global gaps, young players like Aarit Kapil are proving that age is just a number when it comes to mastering the 64 squares.

Final Thoughts

Aarit Kapil’s thrilling match against Magnus Carlsen is more than just a story of a close game—it is a shining example of how raw talent, dedication, and opportunity can converge in spectacular fashion. As the chess world watches closely, one thing is certain: this young boy from Mayur Vihar is just getting started.

In a country rich with chess heritage and ambition, Aarit’s journey offers a beacon of hope and inspiration. Who knows? Maybe the next time he faces Carlsen, he’ll finish what he started—with a win.