India’s prestigious classical chess tournament, the Chennai Grand Masters, is set to kick off its fourth edition from July 16–22 at The Westin Chennai Velachery. The tournament will feature eight elite Masters vying for a total prize pool of Rs 75 lakh and valuable FIDE Circuit points crucial for qualifying for the next Candidates Tournament. Notable players in the lineup include World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, 2800-rated player Arjun Erigaisi, former World Rapid Champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and two-time Grand Chess Tour champion Alireza Firouzja.
The Masters field will also include 2026 Bullet Chess Champion Nihal Sarin, former Candidates challenger Dmitry Andreikin, American Grandmaster Hans Niemann, and last year’s Challengers champion Pranesh M, who secures a spot in the Masters following his title victory. Tournament director Manu Gurtu expressed pride in the tournament’s growth, emphasizing its role in elevating Indian chess and providing a platform for local talent to compete against top international players. The event aims to continue evolving and attracting the world’s best players in the future.
In a new addition this year, the tournament will introduce the Opening Moves Photoslot ticket, allowing fans to enter the tournament hall with their phones and cameras to capture moments with chess stars. Alongside an enhanced fan experience featuring live expert commentary and interactive activities, this edition promises fans unprecedented access to elite chess. The fourth edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters is anticipated to be highly competitive, with a lineup that includes a world champion and multiple 2800-rated players, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness top-tier classical chess.
