Grand Masters Championship 2023: Highest-Rated Chess Tournament In India

The Chennai Grand Masters Championship 2023 is making waves as the highest-rated chess tournament ever held in India. This prestigious event is attracting chess enthusiasts and experts alike, taking place from December 15th to 21st in Chennai. 

The spotlight shines brightly on two of India’s chess prodigies, D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi. These young masters are on a quest to secure their spots in the highly coveted Candidates Tournament 2024.

Here’s what’s at stake: the Candidates Tournament, a major chess event, has only two remaining spots. Gukesh and Erigaisi are among the top contenders. 

For a chance to compete in the Candidates, they need to top the FIDE Circuit leaderboard. Currently, Anish Giri leads with 84.3 points, while Gukesh and Erigaisi follow closely behind.

If Gukesh finishes first or even tied for first, he could surpass Giri. Similarly, a sole first-place finish for Erigaisi could propel him to the top of the leaderboard. This tournament is their golden opportunity to make a significant leap forward.

Gukesh, fresh from the London Chess Classic, is eager to showcase his skills, especially in a tournament held in his home city, Chennai. Despite the challenges and high competition, he remains optimistic about performing well.

Erigaisi, on the other hand, views this tournament as an unexpected but welcome chance to chase his Candidates dreams. He aims to play without the burden of expectations, focusing on his game.

The tournament itself is a grand affair, hosted at the luxurious Leela Palace Hotel in Chennai. It features an impressive line-up of international chess grandmasters, including Levon Aronian and Parham Maghsoodloo. The average rating of the participants is an astounding 2711, making it a top-tier event in the chess world.

For those keen on witnessing this chess spectacle, the good news: spectators are allowed! It’s on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure to get there early.

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ChessBase India, in collaboration with several partners and the Government of Tamil Nadu, is ensuring this event is not just a tournament but a celebration of chess excellence. Each game is played with a time control of 90 minutes, plus a 30-second increment per move, adding to the intensity and strategy of every match.