Arjun Erigaisi Breaks 2800 Elo Barrier: December 2024 Chess Rankings Highlight Key Player Milestones

In the world of chess, December 2024 will be remembered for Arjun Erigaisi's historic achievement as he broke the 2800 Elo barrier, joining an elite group of players.

This milestone not only marks a personal victory for Erigaisi but also highlights his incredible journey in the chess arena, gaining two rating points at the prestigious Chennai Grand Masters.

As a result, he became the 15th player in history to reach this landmark, and chess enthusiasts around the globe are buzzing with excitement.

The latest rankings reveal minimal shifts among the top players, but significant moments are found in the women's division as well.

Aleksandra Goryachkina's triumph at the Women’s Grand Prix in Shymkent propelled her back into the top five, while her runner-up, Tan Zhongyi, also made impressive gains in her rating.

With emerging talents and rising stars, the December rankings showcase how dynamic and evolving the chess landscape is, setting the stage for contenders to watch in the months to come.

Key Takeaways

• Arjun Erigaisi becomes the 15th player in history to break the 2800 Elo rating barrier.
• Aleksandra Goryachkina returns to the top five after winning the Women’s Grand Prix and gaining 18 rating points.
• Dana Kochavi's exceptional performance boosts her rating by 196 points, placing her in the top 100 women and top 10 Juniors.

Arjun Erigaisi's Historic Achievement

Arjun Erigaisi's recent achievement has marked a historic milestone in the world of chess, as he has become one of the select few to cross the coveted 2800 Elo rating barrier.

This remarkable feat occurred in December 2024, following a solid performance at the Chennai Grand Masters where he gained two crucial rating points.

With this achievement, Erigaisi joins an elite group of only 15 players in chess history to reach this significant benchmark, solidifying his status as one of the game's top competitors.

Meanwhile, the women's chess scene also witnessed some exciting developments, notably with Aleksandra Goryachkina clinching the Women’s Grand Prix in Shymkent.

This victory allowed her to gain 18 much-needed rating points, enabling her to reenter the top five rankings just as her competitor Tan Zhongyi improved her standing with a ten-point gain.

Key Ratings Changes in Women's Chess

Beyond these remarkable performances, the landscape of women’s chess saw a surge in ratings, highlighting the growing talent in the field.

WFM Dana Kochavi's spectacular rise of 196 points stood out, propelled by her excellent showing at the European Individual Championship, which not only placed her among the top 100 women but also among the top 10 juniors globally.

This achievement exemplifies the potential for young players to shake up established rankings.

In addition to Kochavi’s ascent, the ratings landscape was further enriched by players like Daniel Dardha and Frederik Svane, whose steady improvements reflect their dedication and skill enhancement.

Both achieved notable gains, while Ivan Cheparinov and Aleksandar Indjic continued to showcase their growth, with Indjic successfully entering the coveted top 100 list following commendable performances.