Return of the GOAT to Kolkata – Tata Steel Chess India
Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz is inarguably the most prestigious chess tournament which takes place on the prodigy yielding subcontinent – India. Its history goes back to 2018 when the famous “Chess Streamer” and top player Hikaru Nakamura won the Rapid portion, going down against Vishy Anand in the tiebreak for the Blitz.
In 2019, the tournament returned as part of the Grand Chess Tour, giving Indian fans a glimpse of Magnus Carlsen for the first time since his World Championship Match against Vishy in 2013!
Three editions have passed since then, and finally Magnus will be making his return to Kolkata in the 6th edition of the super tournament.
| Edition | Rapid | Blitz |
| 2018 | Hikaru Nakamura | Vishy Anand |
| 2019 | Magnus Carlsen | Carlsen & Nakamura (joint) |
| 2021 | Arjun Erigaisi | Levon Aronian |
| 2022 | Nihal Sarin | Arjun Erigaisi |
| 2023 | Maxime Vachier-Lagrave | Alexander Grischuk |
Magnus recently opened up about his decision of accepting the invite, calling it a mere accident. Magnus told in an interview said that, it was his father who pointed at the prospect of stopping by in Kolkata, before they head to Singapore later in November, for an exhibition match, and hence decided to contact the organisers in Kolkata – They were happy to extend an invitation for the World #1 even at the last moment.
Magnus Carlsen, in any format, is a true delight to watch and has a massive following in India. The tournament starts on November 13, and would be a 5-day exciting speed chess action for the chess fans to watch!
