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Key Points

The Chennai Grand Masters returns bigger than ever with a star-studded lineup and a ₹1 crore prize pool. Top players like Arjun Erigaisi and Anish Giri will battle for FIDE Circuit points, vital for Candidates qualification. The Challengers category highlights India’s rising chess talents, including Vaishali R and Leon Mendonca. This tournament solidifies Chennai as a global hub for elite chess competition.

Key Points: Chennai Grand Masters 2025 Features Arjun Erigaisi Anish Giri Vidit Gujrathi

  • ₹1 crore prize pool with Masters winner taking ₹25 lakh
  • Features Olympiad champions like Anish Giri and Arjun Erigaisi
  • FIDE Circuit points crucial for 2026 Candidates qualification
  • Challengers category showcases rising Indian talents like Vaishali R
3 min read

Chennai Grand Masters returns with biggest field yet, featuring Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi

India’s premier chess event returns with a ₹1 crore prize pool, FIDE Circuit points, and elite players like Arjun Erigaisi, Anish Giri, and Vidit Gujrathi.

"Events like the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters are vital for building a stronger chess culture and inspiring the next generation. – GM Arjun Erigaisi"

Chennai, July 22

With its largest field and prize pool yet, the Chennai Grand Masters, India's most prestigious classical chess tournament, returns for its third edition from August 6 to 15 at the Hyatt Regency Chennai.

Featuring 20 players across the Masters and Challengers categories, the 2025 edition marks a new high for the tournament with a Rs 1 crore prize pool as competitors chase FIDE Circuit points vital for qualifying for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

The tournament will be split into two categories: Masters and Challengers. The Masters field boasts global 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 steps up after winning the Challengers in 2024.

"The Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters has quickly established itself as one of the world's most significant classical tournaments. It brings together a field of extraordinary depth, where India's brightest talents battle established global stars. With FIDE Circuit points and Candidates qualification on the line, this year's edition is not just a test of skill, but it's a pivotal event in the world chess calendar. Our goal is to make Chennai a permanent fixture for elite chess and a place where future champions are forged," said GM Srinath Narayanan, VP of MGD1, as quoted from a press release.

The Challengers category, introduced last year, returns as a proving ground for India's brightest emerging players. It features Karthikeyan Murali, Leon Mendonca, Vaishali R, Harika Dronavalli, Abhimanyu Puranik, Aryan Chopra, Adhiban Baskaran, Iniyan P, Diptayan Ghosh, and Pranesh M.

The Masters champion will take home Rs 25 Lakhs, with Rs 15 Lakhs and Rs 10 Lakhs for second and third place, respectively, while the Challengers' winner will receive Rs 7 Lakhs and a guaranteed place in the 2026 Masters. The tournament also carries FIDE Circuit points, with the winner earning 24.5 points towards the 2026 Candidates qualification. In the case of joint winners, each will receive 22.3 points, while second and third place will earn 17.8 and 15.6 points, respectively.

"Playing such a high-stakes tournament at home is always special. As the top-rated player here, I know the expectations are high, but the field this year is extremely competitive, and every game will demand my absolute best. Events like the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters are vital, not just for players chasing global goals, but also for building a stronger chess culture and inspiring the next generation of Indian talent," said GM Arjun Erigaisi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As a chess mom, I'm thrilled to see this tournament growing! My son is inspired by players like Nihal Sarin. The Challengers category is especially important - gives young talents a platform. Hope they stream all games with good commentary 🤞
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Sarah B
The field looks incredibly strong! Anish Giri vs Indian prodigies will be fascinating to watch. Though I wish there were more women players in the Masters category - only Harika in Challengers? Chess needs more gender diversity at top levels.
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Arjun K
Chennai weather in August for 10-day tournament? Hope AC is working properly! Jokes aside, this is fantastic for Indian chess. The FIDE points system makes every game crucial. Rooting for our boys but Giri will be tough to beat.
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Karthik V
Great initiative but ticket prices are too high for local chess enthusiasts. ₹2000 per day is steep when you want families and students to attend. Should have subsidized passes for chess clubs and schools.
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Nisha Z
Remember when Vishy Anand was our only hope? Now we have multiple Indian GMs competing at highest level! 😍 The depth in Challengers category shows how chess is growing at grassroots. Next stop - World Champion from India again!

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