Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Expanded Format, Record Prize Pool Headline India's Premier Chess Event

Chennai, the chess hub of India, is gearing up to host the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 from August 6 to 15. This year's edition promises an enhanced format, a star-studded lineup, crucial FIDE Circuit points, and a record-breaking prize pool of Rs 1 crore.

The tournament will feature nine rounds of classical round-robin chess in both the Masters and Challengers sections, an increase from the seven rounds in previous years.

The Masters section boasts an impressive field, led by Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri, American Grandmasters Ray Robson and Awonder Liang, and Indian stars Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, Karthikeyan Murali, and Nihal Sarin. Germany’s Vincent Keymer, the Netherlands’ Jorden Van Foreest, and local favorite Pranav V will also compete for the title.

All eyes will be on Pranav V, the 2024 Challengers winner and the reigning FIDE World Junior Champion, as he makes his debut in the Masters section.

Pranav V shared his thoughts with TimesofIndia.com, stating, "Not really, I am playing Masters this year, but I don't have any pressure because I will just go and have fun." He added, "I think it is the other guys who would take the pressure because I don't think I have played the likes of Anish Giri, Vincent Keymer over the board. Even against Arjun, I haven't played recently in the classical. I played him a few years back in the National Championships.”

Tournament Format

The Chennai Grand Masters will follow a round-robin format, ensuring that each participant plays against every other competitor in classical time control games.

In the event of a tie after nine rounds, a two-game blitz match with a 3+2 time control will be held, followed by an Armageddon game if necessary.

Pranav V, aware of the challenges ahead, has been preparing for the tournament's physical and psychological demands. “Yes, since the players are very tough and in every game you are going to face a 2700-rated player, I think it is going to be a different challenge for me. I have been training physically and mentally for it. It would be interesting to see how I would play.”

Challengers Section

The Challengers section will showcase a wealth of Indian talent, including Abhimanyu Puranik, Leon Mendonca, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, and Adhiban Baskaran.

Following Vladimir Fedoseev’s withdrawal, GM Karthikeyan Murali has been promoted to the Masters section. Harshvardhan GB, who secured third place in last month’s Chess.com online qualifiers, will take his place in the Challengers section, becoming the first International Master (IM) to compete in the Chennai Grand Masters.

A strong performance in the Challengers section could pave the way for a spot in the Masters next year, as demonstrated by Pranav V’s journey.