Chennai, July 8:
India’s premier classical chess event, the Chennai Grand Masters, is set to return for its fourth edition from July 16 to 22 at The Westin Chennai Velachery. Known for attracting world-class talent, this year’s tournament promises to be one of its strongest yet, reinforcing Chennai’s growing stature as a global chess hub.
The competition will feature eight elite players in the Masters category, battling for a combined prize pool of Rs 75 lakh along with crucial FIDE Circuit points that contribute toward qualification for the prestigious Candidates Tournament.
Leading the lineup is reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, alongside India’s second-ever 2800-rated player Arjun Erigaisi. The field also includes top international stars such as Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Alireza Firouzja, and Dmitry Andreikin, as well as rising Indian talent Nihal Sarin and American Grandmaster Hans Niemann.
Adding further intrigue, last year’s Challengers champion Pranesh M has been promoted to the Masters section after his impressive title-winning performance. The presence of such a diverse and high-calibre field ensures intense competition and high-quality games throughout the tournament.
In a fan-friendly move, organisers have introduced the “Opening Moves Photoslot” ticket for the first time, allowing spectators to enter the playing hall with cameras and mobile phones to capture moments featuring the world’s top chess stars. This initiative is expected to enhance fan engagement and bring audiences closer to the action, making the 2026 edition a landmark event for Indian chess.