Carlsen admits he's a 'fan' of Praggnanandhaa's chess style: 'Be Like Pragg' and the generational rivalry

In a rare recent interview, world champion Magnus Carlsen surprised the chess community by openly admitting: 'I'm a fan. I really enjoy watching him play.' The person in question is none other than R Praggnanandhaa – the 19-year-old Indian prodigy rising as a true phenomenon. Carlsen's words are more than mere praise; they reflect a quiet but significant transition in the world of chess. Praggnanandhaa, often called Pragg, first defeated Carlsen at the Airthings Masters 2026 – an online event part of the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour. At just 16, that win was seen as a major shock. But notably, it was no accident. Since then, Pragg has consistently produced impressive results against the world number one. At Norway Chess, a prestigious round-robin tournament, Pragg has beaten Carlsen twice in the 2026 and 2026 editions. Remarkably, on one occasion he won two games in the same tournament – something very few players have achieved. However, experts have quickly added important caveats. Pragg's wins span different formats, from online rapid (Airthings Masters) to over-the-board (Norway Chess), but there is no evidence he has completely surpassed Carlsen in classical time controls. In the 2026 World Cup final, where the two faced off directly, Carlsen emerged victorious. This shows the gap in class still exists, but the closing trend is undeniable. Adding further fuel to this story is the origin of the 'Be Like Pragg' slogan. According to multiple sources, Pragg's coach, Grandmaster RB Ramesh, used the phrase as a motivational tool for his student. It quickly spread on social media and became an emblem for the new generation of Indian players. Carlsen's public endorsement of Pragg's style only reinforces the slogan's value. Technically, we lack move-by-move data or calculation depth from those games, but what is clear is that Pragg possesses a unique style: excellent resilience under pressure, especially in counter-attacking positions, and remarkable composure when facing a legend. Carlsen has repeatedly acknowledged that Pragg is one of the few players who makes him work hardest in recent years. This context becomes even more striking when considering the current Indian chess wave. Pragg is not alone; he is part of a golden generation alongside Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, and many other young talents. India is experiencing an unprecedented chess boom, and having a player who consistently challenges Carlsen is the clearest proof of the strength of its youth training system. A word of caution is necessary. The wins over Carlsen, while impressive, are not yet enough to claim Pragg is ready to dethrone him. The playing format matters greatly. Online games differ from over-the-board classical, and even at Norway Chess, some wins may have come from tiebreak formats (Armageddon) rather than classical games. Still, being able to defeat a player of Carlsen's caliber multiple times in any format is a rare achievement. Looking ahead, the Carlsen–Pragg rivalry promises to be one of the most compelling stories in chess for the rest of the decade. With the experienced champion on one side and the hungry young talent on the other, every encounter carries more weight than an ordinary game. It symbolizes succession, the moment when the older generation must face a bold new wave. The 'Be Like Pragg' story is no longer just a phrase; it has become a movement. And when Magnus Carlsen himself – the pinnacle of the chess world – is also drawn to Pragg's magnetism, we may well be witnessing the dawn of a new era. World chess is changing, and India is leading the charge.