Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Updated schedule, format, live streaming, & ticket details

By Ansh Garg

Ansh has been contributing to Khel Now since 2023, covering Olympic sports. A dedicated sports enthusiast, he is also an aspiring Electronics & Instrumentation Engineer and Data Scientist.

Published at :August 5, 2025 at 4:50 PM

Modified at :August 6, 2025 at 9:10 PM

Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Updated schedule, format, live streaming, & ticket details

Arjun Erigaisi will lead India’s challenge at the Chennai Grand Masters 2025.

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025 is the third edition of the prestigious round-robin tournament organized by the MGD1 Academy and Quantbox.

Held annually in Chennai, India, the event aims to bring world-class classical chess action to Indian soil while giving local grandmasters a chance to compete against international names. Indian GM Gukesh Dommaraju won the first edition, while GM Aravindh Chithambaram won the second

This year’s event features ten strong players, including top Indians Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Nihal Sarin, and Pranav Venkatesh, as well as elite international names like Anish Giri, Vincent Keymer, and Vladimir Fedoseev.

Alongside the Masters event, the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 will also feature a 10-player Challengers section, showcasing some of India’s most promising talents and experienced grandmasters. The round-robin format will offer these players a valuable opportunity to compete in a structured classical setting and potentially earn a spot in future elite events.

Two of India’s most prominent female players, Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu, will also participate in the event. Here’s all you need to know about the Chennai Grand Masters 2025:

When and where will Chennai Grand Masters 2025 be held?

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025 will take place from August 6 to August 15 at the Hyatt Regency, Chennai.

Also Read: Top five players to watch out for at Chennai Grand Masters 2025

Who is the defending champion of the Chennai Grand Masters?

GM Aravindh Chithambaram is the defending champion, having won the 2024 edition with a steady performance across 9 rounds.

Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Format

The event follows a single round-robin format featuring 10 players. Each player plays one classical game against every other participant. The player with the highest points at the end of 9 rounds will be crowned champion.

Standard FIDE scoring is used:

Win: 1 point
Draw: 0.5 point
Loss: 0 points

Tiebreaks will follow Sonneborn–Berger scores, direct ties, and number of wins, according to standard FIDE rules.

Where and how to watch Chennai Grand Masters 2025 live streaming?

The Chennai Grand Masters 2025 will be streamed live on ChessBase India’s YouTube channel, with expert commentary and analysis. Live coverage, along with real-time PGN and standings, could also be available on platforms such as Chess.com, Lichess, and Chess24.

Also Read: Top five Indian players to watch out for at Chennai Grand Masters 2025

Where to buy Chennai Grand Masters 2025 tickets?

A limited number of tickets for the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 will be available at the venue on match days. Entry is typically free for students and chess academy members, subject to ID verification.

Spectators are advised to check the MGD1 Academy’s official social media for the latest updates on ticketing and seating.

Masters Section: Full list of players

Arjun Erigaisi (India)
Anish Giri (Netherlands)
Vidit Gujrathi (India)
Vincent Keymer (Germany)
Nihal Sarin (India)
Vladimir Fedoseev (Slovenia)
Jorden van Foreest (Netherlands)
Awonder Liang (USA)
Ray Robson (USA)
Pranav Venkatesh (India)

Challengers Section: Full list of players

Abhimanyu Puranik (India)
Aryan Chopra (India)
Leon Luke Mendonca (India)
Pranesh M (India)
Diptayan Ghosh (India)
Iniyan P (India)
Adhiban Baskaran (India)
Harika Dronavalli (India)
Vaishali Rameshbabu (India)
Harshavardhan G B (India)

Chennai Grand Masters 2025: Full schedule and fixtures (in IST)

August 6, 2025 (Wednesday) – Round 1 – 2:00 PM
August 7, 2025 (Thursday) – Round 2 – 2:00 PM
August 8, 2025 (Friday) – Round 3 – 2:00 PM
August 9, 2025 (Saturday) – Round 4 – 2:00 PM
August 10, 2025 (Sunday) – Round 5 – 2:00 PM
August 11, 2025 (Monday) – Rest Day
August 12, 2025 (Tuesday) – Round 6 – 2:00 PM
August 13, 2025 (Wednesday) – Round 7 – 2:00 PM
August 14, 2025 (Thursday) – Round 8 – 2:00 PM
August 15, 2025 (Friday) – Round 9 – 12:00 PM
August 16, 2025 (Saturday) – Closing Ceremony

When and where will Chennai Grand Masters 2025 take place?

The Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters 2025 will be held from August 6 to 15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency, Chennai.

What is the format of the Chennai Grand Masters 2025?

The event follows a classical round-robin format with 10 players. Each player faces every other participant once across nine rounds, with standard classical time controls.

Who is the defending champion of the Chennai Grand Masters?

GM Aravindh Chithambaram is the defending champion, having won the 2024 edition with a steady performance across 9 rounds.

Who are the top Indian players participating in the Chennai Grand Masters 2025 this year?

The top Indian players in the 2025 edition include GM Arjun Erigaisi (top seed), GM Vidit Gujrathi, GM Nihal Sarin, and GM Pranav Venkatesh, one of India’s most promising rising stars.

How does Chennai Grand Masters 2025 impact global chess rankings?

Since it is a FIDE-rated classical event featuring top-100 players, performances here directly affect FIDE world rankings. Strong results could help players gain Elo points and improve qualification chances for future events like the FIDE Grand Swiss, World Cup, or Candidates Tournament.

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Ansh Garg

Ansh is a sports content creator and aspiring data scientist with a focus on Olympic sports like badminton and chess. A state-level badminton player and 1900+ rated chess enthusiast, his content has been reshared by top athletes including HS Prannoy and Vidit Gujrathi. Follow Ansh for the latest updates on your favorite sports!