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

Chennai,jul 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 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.