Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi, and Anish Giri set to lead Chennai Grand Masters tournament

Chess fans, mark your calendars! The 2025 edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in the Indian chess calendar. Scheduled to take place from August 6 to 15 in Chennai, the tournament promises high-intensity matches, world-class competition, and a prize pool of ₹1 crore.

Star-Studded Lineup in the Masters Section

Leading the charge in the Masters category will be India’s very own Arjun Erigaisi, currently ranked World No. 4. He’ll be joined by fellow Indian stars Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi, both of whom have made significant marks on the global chess scene.

Adding international flavor to the event, Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri, a former World No. 3, will bring his strategic prowess to the table. Also confirmed is Vincent Keymer of Germany, who recently made headlines by winning the Freestyle Grand Slam event at Weissenhaus. Organizers have hinted at more big names to be announced soon.

Rising Stars in the Challengers Section

While the Masters category is packed with heavyweights, the Challengers section isn’t far behind. Promising young talents such as Leon Luke Mendonca and R. Vaishali will take center stage, alongside renowned Indian Grandmasters like Harika Dronavalli and B. Adhiban.

A special highlight this year is the promotion of Pranav Venkatesh, the reigning World Junior Champion and last year’s Challengers winner, who now graduates to the Masters bracket — a testament to his rapid rise in the chess world.

Why This Tournament Matters

The Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters isn’t just about the prize money. It’s a key FIDE Circuit event that allows players to collect valuable rating points, which can influence their position in the global rankings and future tournament invitations.

With its combination of high-stakes games, elite-level participants, and emerging talent, the tournament is fast becoming one of the most competitive and prestigious events held on Indian soil.

What to Expect

Expect thrilling matches, deep strategic battles, and possibly a few surprises as seasoned grandmasters face off against the next generation of chess prodigies. For fans of the game, this tournament offers a front-row seat to watch both legends and rising stars in action.

Stay tuned for updates on the full player lineup and match schedules, and be sure to follow the official channels for real-time coverage and insights.