Chennai Grand Masters returns for fourth edition; world champion Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi headline field

Chennai, July 6 (IANS) India's strongest classical chess tournament, the Chennai Grand Masters, returns for its fourth edition from July 16–22 at The Westin Chennai Velachery, bringing together one of its strongest fields yet.  

Featuring eight elite Masters competing for a combined Rs 75 lakh prize pool, the tournament once again offers valuable FIDE Circuit points as players continue their pursuit of qualification for the next Candidates Tournament.

The Masters field is headlined by reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and India's second-ever 2800-rated player Arjun Erigaisi. Joining them are former World Rapid Champion Nodirbek Abdusattorov, two-time Grand Chess Tour champion Alireza Firouzja, 2026 Bullet Chess Champion Nihal Sarin, former Candidates challenger Dmitry Andreikin, American Grandmaster Hans Niemann, and last year’s Challengers champion Pranesh M, who earns promotion to the Masters after his title-winning campaign.

"Entering our fourth year, Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters stands as a testament to MGD1's commitment to elevating Indian chess. Every edition strengthens our resolve to build a tournament that the world's best players are proud to compete in while creating meaningful opportunities for Indian talent to test themselves against the very best. This year's field reflects how far the tournament has come and where we want to take it in the years ahead ," said Manu Gurtu, tournament director.

For the first time, the tournament will introduce the Opening Moves Photoslot ticket, giving fans an exclusive opportunity to enter the tournament hall with their phones and cameras and film some of the world's biggest chess stars. Combined with an expanded fan experience, including live expert commentary and interactive fan activities, this year's edition brings spectators closer to elite chess than ever before.

With a world champion, multiple 2800-rated stars and some of the strongest names in international chess set to compete, the fourth edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters promises to deliver its most competitive tournament yet while offering fans its closest-ever access to elite classical chess.