World champion D Gukesh will headline a star-studded field at the fourth edition of the Chennai Grand Masters, which is scheduled to take place from July 16 to 22 in Chennai.
The tournament, offering a prize pool of ₹75 lakh, will also award valuable FIDE Circuit points as players continue their quest to secure qualification for the next Candidates Tournament.
Elite field assembled
Joining Gukesh in the tournament are Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, former World Rapid champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov, two-time Grand Chess Tour winner Alireza Firouzja, 2026 Bullet Chess champion Nihal Sarin, former Candidates challenger Dmitry Andreikin, American Grandmaster Hans Niemann and reigning Challengers champion Pranesh M.
The competition is expected to provide a strong test for Indian players against some of the biggest names in world chess while adding further significance to the race for FIDE Circuit points.
Fans to get closer to the action
The organisers have also introduced an Opening Moves Photoslot ticket for the first time, allowing fans to enter the playing hall with mobile phones and cameras to capture photographs and videos of the world’s leading chess stars during the opening phase of each game.
Tournament director Manu Gurtu said the event continues to grow in stature with every edition.
“Every edition strengthens our resolve to build a tournament that the world’s best players are proud to compete in while creating meaningful opportunities for Indian talent to test themselves against the very best,” Gurtu said.
The Chennai Grand Masters has established itself as one of India’s premier chess events, with this year’s edition expected to attract global attention thanks to the presence of reigning world champion Gukesh and several of the game’s leading Grandmasters.
Discussion about this post