India’s Strongest Classical Chess Tournament is Back: Chennai Grand Masters

Posted on June 1, 2025 BY Rachit Wadhwa

The Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025, set to take place from August 6 to 15 in Chennai, is poised to be India’s most formidable classical chess super tournament yet. With a record-breaking ₹1 crore ($117,000 approx.) prize pool and an expanded field of 20 players across the Masters and Challengers sections, the third edition of this prestigious event promises intense battles and world-class chess. This year, the tournament welcomes Singapore-based fintech firm Quantbox Research as its new title sponsor, which is also the sponsor of the top seed and India #1 GM Arjun Erigaisi.

Erigaisi is confirmed to headline the Masters section. His stellar 2024, which included individual and team gold at the Chess Olympiad and victories at events like the WR Chess Masters Cup, makes him a formidable contender on home soil.

The tournament, organized by MGD1 and supported by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), has grown into a key fixture on the global chess calendar, as emphasized by chess legend Viswanathan Anand. The 2025 edition will feature 10 elite players in the Masters section and 10 rising stars in the Challengers section, competing for ₹75 lakh and ₹25 lakh in prize money, respectively.

Prize pool division

While the full participant list is yet to be officially announced, confirmed players include Indian stars Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pranav V, alongside GM Anish Giri from the Netherlands and Germany’s Vincent Keymer. Speculation surrounds the participation of local favourites like World Champion D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, and defending champion Aravindh Chithambaram, though their involvement remains unconfirmed due to a packed chess calendar.

Following is the tentative and unofficial line-up which will be expected to feature:

  • Arjun Erigaisi
  • Anish Giri
  • Vidit Gujrathi
  • Nihal Sarin
  • Vincent Keymer
  • Pranav V
  • Ray Robson
  • Awonder Liang
  • Vladimir Fedoseev

The Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 is set to elevate Chennai’s reputation as India’s chess capital, showcasing both established titans and emerging talents. The tournament is going to be make or break for prodigies like Nihal Sarin, who has freshly stepped into the 2700+ club and is hungry to prove his mettle against the top guys. With Quantbox’s backing and a star-studded field, this tournament is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and further cement India’s dominance in global chess. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling clash of minds.

Graphic courtesy: Chennai Grand Masters / Lennart Ootes

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