Arjun Erigaisi Aims for Victory at Chennai Grand Masters 2025

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025 is set to commence on August 6 and will feature Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi as the central figure in this prestigious chess tournament. The 21-year-old, currently ranked sixth in the world, is the highest-rated competitor in what is considered India’s most significant classical chess event of the year. The tournament, which runs until August 15, comprises ten players competing in a single round-robin format.

Erigaisi enters the tournament with a strong desire to secure his first title after narrowly missing out in the previous two editions. Last year, he was edged out by D. Gukesh in a tie-breaker after both players finished level on points. The year prior, he was part of a three-way tie for the top position, ultimately falling short as Aravindh Chithambaram claimed victory. This time, with the FIDE Circuit and Ratings routes for the 2026 Candidates nearly closed for him, Erigaisi is determined to play without the weight of expectations.

In his own words, Erigaisi noted, “In a way, it’s less stressful for me because the last two years, if I had won this tournament, it almost meant I would have qualified for the Candidates. This time, it would be a tournament win, but it has nothing more attached to it. I’ll just play freely and enjoy.”

Strong Contenders in the Field

The competition in Chennai will not be easy. Alongside Erigaisi, highly-rated players such as Anish Giri from the Netherlands and Germany’s Vincent Keymer are expected to pose significant challenges, being the second and third highest-rated players in the tournament.

Indian challengers like Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin will also be in the mix, each aiming to make an impact. Additionally, Pranav V, who recently secured a win in the Challengers event in 2024, will seek to prove himself against the top-tier players.

The Challengers segment remains competitive, featuring an all-Indian lineup, with Abhimanyu Puranik leading the field in ratings. The tournament will also highlight the skills of prominent Indian women chess players, D. Harika and R. Vaishali, who will be competing for vital FIDE points in preparation for the upcoming Women’s Candidates tournament scheduled for early next year.

Adapting to Tournament Format

Erigaisi arrives at the Chennai Grand Masters after a successful run in other formats, including a top-four finish at the Los Angeles Freestyle Grand Slam and the Esports World Cup in recent months. However, he will need to adapt to the classical format, which requires a different level of patience and strategic thinking compared to the faster-paced freestyle and rapid chess competitions he recently participated in.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Erigaisi, who is eager to transform his near-misses into a triumphant victory. With a blend of talent and determination, he aims to establish himself as a formidable force in the chess world.