Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa: Childhood, Money, Failure, Samay Raina & PM Modi | FO392 Raj Shamani

Aug 9, 2025

R. Praggnanandhaa, a chess prodigy and the youngest grandmaster, shares his remarkable journey and key insights from the world of chess. He discusses how beating Magnus Carlsen fueled his confidence and the psychological tactics that make a difference in high-stakes matches. Praggnanandhaa opens up about the importance of support from family and friends, and the emotional challenges of competition. He also reflects on the evolving chess landscape in India, offering a glimpse into his strategic thinking and personal growth through the game.

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ANECDOTE

First Win Over Magnus Was Unexpected

He says the win over Magnus Carlsen came unexpectedly during a rapid online game and felt like a sudden chance.
The victory boosted his confidence and proved that top players are beatable.

insights

INSIGHT

Streaming Expanded Chess Audiences

Samay Raina's streaming and Sagar Shah's coverage brought new audiences and consistent visibility to chess.
Their work combined with online interest created a wider chess boom and more players playing online.

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ADVICE

Reset Fast By Returning To Play

Allow a few minutes to be upset, then focus on what you can control and prepare for the next event.
Evaluate honestly, accept your effort, and move on to competing again.

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Motivation and Mindset in Chess

03:22 • 16min

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Superstitions and Physical Responses in Competitive Sports

19:27 • 2min

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Navigating Pressure and Mindfulness in Competition

21:52 • 2min

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From Humble Beginnings to Chess Stardom

23:58 • 12min

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The Influence of Support on Chess Success

35:58 • 19min

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Chess Strategies and Personal Growth

54:39 • 8min

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A Warm Conversation: Reflections on Chess and Podcasting

01:02:58 • 2min

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#358

• Mentioned in 47 episodes

The Inner Game of Tennis

Timothy Gallwey

This book, first published in 1974, focuses on the 'Inner Game' played within the mind of the player, against obstacles such as self-doubt, nervousness, and lapses in concentration. Gallwey introduces the concept of two selves: Self 1, the thinking brain that analyzes and judges, and Self 2, the 'feeling and doing' brain that can master skills naturally if not interfered with by Self 1. The book provides strategies for achieving 'relaxed concentration' and overcoming internal mental and emotional obstacles, making it relevant not only to tennis but also to other areas of life such as music, writing, work, and personal relationships.

#14186

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Build, Don't Talk

Raj Shamani

Raj Shamani encourages readers to move beyond mere discussion and take tangible steps toward their goals. The book emphasizes the importance of consistent action, perseverance, and resilience in the face of challenges. It offers practical strategies for overcoming procrastination, managing time effectively, and cultivating a mindset geared toward achievement. The book challenges readers to convert their aspirations into concrete actions, teaching them how to prioritize tasks, set realistic timelines, and maintain focus. It inspires individuals to adopt a proactive approach to realizing their ambitions, fostering a culture of productivity and tangible outcomes. Ultimately, the book seeks to empower individuals to turn their vision into reality, promoting a shift from passive contemplation to active creation.

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(00:00) – Introduction

(02:27) – Do other players make him insecure?

(05:28) – Beating Magnus Carlsen

(07:57) – What gives one player an edge over another

(09:38) – Carlsen vs Bill Gates

(10:27) – What makes Carlsen great

(12:09) – What Pragg has that Carlsen doesn’t

(12:45) – Crying after a loss

(13:24) – Contribution of Samay Raina & Sagar Shah

(15:06) – How he recovers from failure

(15:57) – How losing feels

(16:48) – Principles for every person

(18:18) – How he prepares for matches

(20:33) – How his body reacts to pressure

(22:28) – Visualisation

(23:12) – Significance of Vibhuti

(24:36) – Introduction to chess

(30:14) – Becoming a Grandmaster at age 12

(32:44) – Why so many chess players come from South India

(37:26) – Parents’ sacrifice

(38:50) – Parents’ reaction after a loss

(41:20) – Pressure of becoming #1

(43:16) – Daily routine

(50:10) – Sacrificing friendships for chess

(51:40) – Money in chess

(52:56) – Meeting PM Modi

(54:53) – Letter from future self

(55:25) – Raj vs Praggnanandhaa

(1:02:57) – Thank you for listening

(1:03:43) – BTS

(1:04:30) – Outro

In today’s episode, we have R. Praggnanandhaa, chess prodigy, youngest International Master at 10, Grandmaster before 13, and already a player who’s beaten world champions.

We discuss his mindset during major tournaments, how he handles pressure, and the balance between logic and intuition in making quick decisions.

In the final segment, he discusses life outside chess, building focus, and his views on competition, failure, and long-term growth. There’s also insight into how he sees the future of Indian chess, his personal philosophies, and where he believes people get “stuck” in life if it were a chessboard. Subscribe for more such conversations!

Follow R. Praggnanandhaa Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pragg_chess/

X: https://x.com/rpraggnachess

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About Raj Shamani

Raj Shamani is an Entrepreneur at heart that explains his expertise in Business Content Creation & Public Speaking. He has delivered 200+ speeches in 26+ countries. Besides that, Raj is also an Angel Investor interested in crazy minds who are creating a sensation in the Fintech, FMCG, & passion economy space.

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