The third edition of the Quantbox Chennai Grandmasters 2025 got underway at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday, with top seeds Arjun Erigaisi and Vincent Keymer setting the tone with commanding victories in the opening round of the Masters section.
The prestigious classical-format tournament, now firmly established as India’s strongest, began with a mix of clinical wins and well-contested draws across both the Masters and Challengers sections.
Masters: Erigaisi and Keymer Make Early Statement
World No. 5 and Indian No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi showcased his top form with a dominant win over American Grandmaster Awonder Liang. Playing with precision and purpose, Erigaisi seized early initiative and converted it into a full point, giving his campaign the perfect start. Germany’s rising star Vincent Keymer also impressed with a technically flawless victory over India’s Nihal Sarin, one of the country’s brightest young talents. Keymer, currently ranked World No. 24, displayed maturity beyond his years to outplay Sarin in a controlled and balanced encounter.
While the top seeds triumphed, the remaining games in the Masters section ended in hard-fought draws. The highly anticipated all-Chennai clash between Pranav V and Karthikeyan Murali saw a tense middlegame skirmish that eventually resolved into a balanced endgame. Similarly, the top-board matchup between Dutch superstar and former World No. 6 Anish Giri and American GM Ray Robson ended level, with both players opting for a solid approach.
Indian No. 2 Vidit Gujrathi also split points with Jorden van Foreest in a game that promised fireworks but ultimately settled into equality after a precise middlegame.
Masters Round 1 Results:
- Arjun Erigaisi (1) def. Awonder Liang (0)
- Vincent Keymer (1) def. Nihal Sarin (0)
- Anish Giri (½) drew Ray Robson (½)
- Vidit Gujrathi (½) drew Jorden van Foreest (½)
- Pranav V (½) drew Karthikeyan Murali (½)
Challengers: Diptayan, Leon, and Pranesh Set the Pace
In the Challengers section, Indian Grandmasters made an immediate impact. Diptayan Ghosh led the charge with a confident win over Harika Dronavalli, a seasoned campaigner and former World Championship semifinalist. Ghosh played with calculated aggression, capitalizing on positional advantages in the middlegame.
Teen prodigy Leon Luke Mendonca continued his consistent run in elite tournaments by defeating Harshavardhan GB, while M Pranesh, another rising star in Indian chess, outplayed Aryan Chopra in a well-calculated tactical game.
Some of the other top contenders were held to draws. Adhiban Baskaran, known for his attacking flair, split the point with Abhimanyu Puranik in a balanced contest. Likewise, WGM Vaishali Rameshbabu, fresh off her strong performances in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series, drew with GM Iniyan Pa.
Challengers – Round 1 Results:
- Diptayan Ghosh (1) def. Harika Dronavalli (0)
- Leon Luke Mendonca (1) def. Harshavardhan GB (0)
- M Pranesh (1) def. Aryan Chopra (0)
- Adhiban Baskaran (½) drew Abhimanyu Puranik (½)
- Vaishali Rameshbabu (½) drew Iniyan Pa (½)
About the Tournament
Organised by MGD1, the Quantbox Chennai Grandmasters has quickly become a cornerstone in India’s chess calendar. With 20 elite players participating across two sections Masters and Challengers the tournament offers not only a prize pool of ₹1 Crore but also valuable FIDE Circuit points, which contribute toward qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
The event follows a nine-round classical format, played over ten days from August 6 to 15. All rounds begin at 3:00 PM IST, with the final round scheduled for 1:00 PM IST. Each match is conducted under strict FIDE regulations, ensuring a high level of professionalism and fairness throughout.
What sets this tournament apart is its combination of top-tier international participation and high-quality organization something that’s made Chennai a hub for elite-level chess in recent years.
How to Watch & Attend
Chess enthusiasts can follow the action live through YouTube streams and other major digital chess platforms. Each game is broadcast with expert commentary, real-time evaluation, and analysis offering fans an immersive experience, whether they’re beginners or seasoned players.
For those in Chennai, tickets are available via BookMyShow:
- General Access: ₹750
- VIP Pass: ₹3,500 (includes priority seating, full-day entry, and complimentary high-tea snacks)
The Hyatt Regency provides a sophisticated venue for spectators, ensuring an up-close view of some of the brightest chess minds in the world today.
With early wins from Arjun Erigaisi and Vincent Keymer in the Masters section and strong showings from young Indian GMs in the Challengers bracket, the Quantbox Chennai Grandmasters 2025 has begun on an exciting note. Over the next nine days, fans can expect a mix of strategic brilliance, unexpected upsets, and thrilling battles all playing out in one of India’s chess capitals.
As India continues to cement its position as a global chess powerhouse, tournaments like these are pivotal in providing homegrown talent the opportunity to shine against the best. For now, all eyes are on the next rounds, where opening wins must be backed by consistency and nerves of steel.
