Who are the top contenders in the Chennai Grand Masters?
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Synopsis
The Chennai Grand Masters returns for its third edition from August 6 to 15, featuring a record prize pool and a star-studded lineup of elite chess players. With significant FIDE Circuit points on the line, this tournament promises to be a pivotal event for aspiring grandmasters.
Key Takeaways
- The Chennai Grand Masters takes place from August 6 to 15, 2025.
- It features a record prize pool of Rs 1 crore.
- Top players include Anish Giri, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi.
- The tournament awards FIDE Circuit points essential for future qualifications.
- Live streaming will be available for chess enthusiasts.
Chennai, July 22 (NationPress) - The Chennai Grand Masters, recognized as India’s premier classical chess tournament, is set to make a grand return for its third edition from August 6–15 at the Hyatt Regency Chennai. This year boasts the tournament's largest participant pool and prize fund to date, featuring 20 competitors across the Masters and Challengers categories, with an impressive prize pool of Rs 1 crore as players vie for essential FIDE Circuit points necessary for qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
Organized by MGD1 and sponsored by Quantbox, the tournament is divided into two segments: Masters and Challengers. The Masters category features an elite lineup of international stars and Olympiad champions, including Anish Giri, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin, Jorden Van Foreest, Liang Awonder, Vincent Keymer, Ray Robson, Vladimir Fedoseev, and Pranav V, who earned his spot by winning the Challengers in 2024.
The Challengers division, which made its debut last year, continues to serve as a platform for India’s most promising young talents. Participants include Karthikeyan Murali, Leon Mendonca, Vaishali R, Harika Dronavalli, Abhimanyu Puranik, Aryan Chopra, Adhiban Baskaran, Iniyan P, Diptayan Ghosh, and Pranesh M.
The champion in the Masters category will receive Rs 25 lakh, while the second and third places will earn Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. The winner in the Challengers will take home Rs 7 lakh along with a guaranteed position in the 2026 Masters. Furthermore, this tournament awards FIDE Circuit points, with the champion earning 24.5 points towards Candidates qualification. In case of ties, joint winners will each be awarded 22.3 points, while second and third place will get 17.8 and 15.6 points, respectively.
“Competing in such a high-stakes tournament at home is always a remarkable experience,” stated GM Arjun Erigaisi. “As the top-rated player, I understand the high expectations, but the competition this year is incredibly intense, and I must bring my best to every game. Events like the Chennai Grand Masters are crucial not only for players pursuing global ambitions but also for fostering a robust chess culture and inspiring the next generation of Indian talent.”
The 2025 edition is expected to offer a world-class experience for players and attendees alike, complete with live streaming on popular chess YouTube channels, further solidifying Chennai as the chess capital of India.
Point of View
I believe the Chennai Grand Masters not only showcases exceptional talent but also serves as a vital platform for promoting chess culture in India. The tournament's growth reflects the increasing popularity and support for chess in our country. With its impressive lineup and significant stakes, the event is sure to captivate audiences and inspire future generations of players.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Chennai Grand Masters taking place?
The Chennai Grand Masters is scheduled from August 6 to 15, 2025.
What is the prize pool for the tournament?
The total prize pool for the Chennai Grand Masters is Rs 1 crore.
Who are the notable participants in the Masters category?
The Masters category features prominent players such as Anish Giri, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi.
What are FIDE Circuit points and why are they important?
FIDE Circuit points are crucial for players aiming to qualify for prestigious tournaments like the Candidates Tournament.
Will the tournament be available for live streaming?
Yes, the tournament will be live-streamed on popular chess YouTube channels.
