Harshavardhan GB became India's 97th Grandmaster, ending a six-year wait since earning his IM title in 2020. Nicknamed "legend" by his chess peers for his creative brilliance, the 22-year-old overcame repeated near-misses, financial struggles and travel hardships.

Backed by his family and coaches, Harshavardhan's emotional breakthrough has now set him on the path towards becoming a super Grandmaster.