As the global chess calendar marches on relentlessly, some tournaments stand out not just for their immediate prize pools but for the profound impact they wield on the trajectory of a player`s career. The third edition of the Chennai Grand Masters, commencing on August 6th, 2025, is precisely one such event. It`s not merely a stop on the circuit; it`s a critical proving ground, a stage where the world`s elite seek to find their rhythm and lay the groundwork for a shot at the most coveted title in chess: the World Championship.
Echoes of a Champion: A Path Forged in Chennai
For many, Chennai holds a special, almost hallowed significance, largely due to a remarkable turn of events in 2023. It was at the inaugural Chennai Grand Masters that a young Gukesh Dommaraju secured the FIDE Circuit points that ultimately propelled him into the Candidates tournament. The rest, as they say, is history – history that saw him ascend to become the youngest World Champion in the modern era.
Ironically, the current World Champion won`t be gracing the very board that once served as his springboard. Gukesh`s packed schedule sees him participating in the prestigious Grand Chess Tour events in the United States, alongside fellow Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa. While they chase glory on different continents, their absence serves as a poignant reminder of what this tournament truly represents: a launchpad for the next generation of contenders. Who among this year`s participants will follow in Gukesh`s footsteps?
The Return to Classical: A Gruelling Test of Minds
After a year teeming with rapid, blitz, and various other accelerated formats, the Chennai Grand Masters champions the bedrock of competitive chess: the classical format. This is where true strategic depth, unwavering patience, and formidable endurance are tested over hours, not minutes. Each player begins with a generous 90 minutes on their clock, gaining a 30-second increment per move after the 40th. Should the main event conclude in a tie, the tension will escalate into blitz tie-breaks, where three-minute games with two-second increments demand both lightning reflexes and precise calculation.
This return to classical long-form chess is far from a mere preference; it`s a strategic necessity. The upcoming three months are pivotal, with five coveted Candidates spots — the gateway to challenging the World Champion — to be decided at the FIDE Grand Swiss and the FIDE World Cup. For players who`ve spent much of 2025 darting between faster formats, Chennai offers the invaluable opportunity to fine-tune their classical game, rebuild confidence, and accumulate vital circuit points. It`s about finding that elusive “classical groove” before the most significant challenges of the World Championship cycle loom large.
A Pantheon of Challengers: Who Will Seize the Moment?
The tournament is thoughtfully divided into two categories: the Masters and the Challengers, each promising intense competition.
The Masters Field: Elite Contenders Eyeing the Top
- Arjun Erigaisi: Ranked world no. 6, Erigaisi enters as a strong favorite, carrying the hopes of Indian chess. Yet, the path to victory will be anything but simple.
- Anish Giri: The Dutch grandmaster brings a wealth of experience and cunning strategy, making him a formidable force.
- Vincent Keymer: Germany`s rising star continues to impress and will be looking to make a significant impact.
- Vidit Gujrathi & Nihal Sarin: Two more pillars of India`s burgeoning chess scene, known for their aggressive and creative play.
- International Talent: The field is rounded out by Dutchman Jorden van Foreest, and American talents Awonder Liang and Ray Robson, along with India`s V Pranav and Karthikeyan Murali, ensuring a truly global challenge.
The Challengers: India`s Future Stars on Display
The Challengers section is an all-Indian affair, showcasing the depth of talent within the nation. Notable among them are two prominent women chess players, Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu, alongside a host of promising male talents including Leon Luke Mendonca, B Adhiban, P Iniyan, Abhimanyu Puranik, Diptayan Ghosh, Aryan Chopra, M Pranesh, and Harshavardhan GB. This section is a testament to the thriving chess culture in India and a glimpse into the grandmasters of tomorrow.
The Road Ahead: More Than Just a Tournament
The Chennai Grand Masters runs for nine grueling rounds over ten days, with a single rest day on August 11th. This demanding schedule is designed to mimic the intensity of the Candidates and World Championship matches, pushing players to their absolute limits, both mentally and physically. As India`s largest chess tournament, it holds immense prestige domestically, but its international significance is arguably even greater. For every player eyeing a place in the 2026 World Championship cycle, Chennai is not just a tournament; it’s a vital strategic move, a carefully calculated opening, and perhaps, the first real step on their personal road to immortality. The chess world watches, eager to see who will emerge from this crucible, ready to challenge for the crown.
