Chennai Hosts ₹1 Crore International Chess Grandmasters Tournament

The 2025 Chennai Grandmasters Chess Tournament, held from August 6 to 15, features a strong field of 20 elite players split into Masters and Challengers sections, competing in a nine-round classical format for a record ₹1 crore prize pool. Indian chess prodigy Arjun Erigaisi, world No. 5, leads the Masters and secured a win against American Awonder Liang in the opening round, while notable draws included matches between Anish Giri and Ray Robson, and Vidit Gujrathi and Jorden van Foreest. The Challengers event showcases top Indian grandmasters like Diptayan Ghosh, Leon Luke Mendonca, and M Pranesh, with the winner earning direct entry into the 2026 Masters. The tournament, financially supported by the Tamil Nadu government and hosted at a private hotel in Chennai, has enhanced fan experiences with commentary halls, interaction zones, and merchandise stalls. Despite a fire incident causing a temporary postponement, the event continues to be crucial for players aiming for FIDE Circuit points and qualification for future Candidates tournaments. Chennai's rich chess heritage, highlighted by legends like Viswanathan Anand, adds prestige to this high-profile competition attracting international talent including Vincent Keymer, Karthikeyan Murali, and others.