As the global chess calendar shifts gears, the focus sharpens on classical play – the ultimate test of strategic depth and endurance. Over the next three months, five coveted spots for the Candidates Tournament will be decided through the FIDE Grand Swiss and the FIDE World Cup. For many, Chennai offers the perfect, high-stakes proving ground to recalibrate their classical game after a year teeming with faster formats.
The Gauntlet: Tournament Details and Format
Scheduled from August 6 to August 15, the Chennai Grand Masters promises an intense nine rounds of classical chess packed into ten days, with a single rest day on August 11. The format is unforgiving: players start with 90 minutes on their clocks, receiving a 30-second increment per move after reaching move 40. Should a tie emerge at the end of nine rounds, the tie-breaks will revert to the faster blitz format, featuring three-minute games with a two-second increment per move – a sudden, electrifying shift in pace that can often crown an unexpected victor.
The Contenders: Masters and Challengers
The tournament is smartly divided into two distinct battlegrounds: the Masters and Challengers sections.
The Masters Field: Where Aspirations Clash
The Masters category is spearheaded by World No. 6, Arjun Erigaisi, whom many observers consider a frontrunner to claim the title on home soil. However, the path to victory is anything but clear. He faces a formidable array of international and national talents, including:
- Anish Giri (Netherlands) – A consistent top performer known for his solid play and sharp tactical sense.
- Vincent Keymer (Germany) – A rising star whose aggressive style often leads to exciting games.
- Vidit Gujrathi (India) – A seasoned grandmaster with a wealth of experience at the highest levels.
- Nihal Sarin (India) – Another prodigiously talented Indian player, known for his speed and tactical brilliance.
- Jorden van Foreest (Netherlands), Awonder Liang (USA), Ray Robson (USA), V Pranav (India), and Karthikeyan Murali (India) further bolster a field designed to test every player`s mettle before the crucial Grand Swiss tournament.
The Challengers: A Glimpse into India`s Chess Future
The Challengers tournament is an all-Indian affair, showcasing the depth of talent within the nation. Notably, it features two prominent female grandmasters, Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu, competing against a strong male lineup that includes Leon Luke Mendonca, B Adhiban, P Iniyan, Abhimanyu Puranik, Diptayan Ghosh, Aryan Chopra, M Pranesh, and Harshavardhan GB. This section serves as a vital platform for these promising players to hone their skills and vie for recognition.
The Missing Monarch: Gukesh Dommaraju`s Calendar Conundrum
One might naturally wonder, “Where is the World Champion?” Indeed, one would expect Gukesh Dommaraju to be present in his hometown. However, the crown comes with a global itinerary. With the 2026 World Championship cycle`s Candidates tournament not on his immediate radar (after all, he`s already booked his spot as reigning champion), Gukesh`s calendar is currently packed with the prestigious Grand Chess Tour events. He`ll be kicking off with the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz tournament on August 9, followed by the Sinquefield Cup, starting August 18.
Similarly, R Praggnanandhaa is also slated for the Sinquefield Cup, making his absence from Chennai perfectly logical, given the tight scheduling that would see the Grand Masters conclude just two days before his next major engagement. When you`re at the pinnacle of chess, sometimes, you have to choose your battles – or rather, your continents.
The Enduring Significance: More Than Just a Tournament
The Chennai Grand Masters holds a special, almost fabled, significance. The “domino effect” that led to Gukesh Dommaraju becoming the World Champion famously began with his victory at the inaugural Chennai Grand Masters in 2023. That win provided him with the crucial FIDE Circuit points necessary to qualify for the Candidates tournament, and as they say, the rest is history. It`s a vivid reminder that seemingly smaller events can be pivotal launchpads for grander destinies.
Beyond Circuit points – which are certainly on the minds of players like Erigaisi, Keymer, and Giri – the tournament offers an invaluable opportunity to build rhythm, form, and confidence. After a 2025 filled with various formats, finding a consistent stride in classical chess is paramount. As the World Championship cycle enters its critical phase, India`s premier chess tournament isn`t just a competition; it`s a statement, a preparation, and potentially, a prelude to future legends.
Finley Holt