Chennai Grand Masters 2023: India’s Historic Leap into Classical Super Tournaments

Introduction

In a historic move for Indian chess, the last month of 2023 marks the advent of the country’s first-ever Classical Super Tournament. Set to unfold from December 15th to 21st, the event boasts a stellar lineup of grandmasters and a remarkable average rating of 2711 Elo, making it the strongest classical super tournament on Indian soil. Sponsored and supported by the Tamil Nadu Government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, the tournament is organized by MGD1, NODWIN Gaming, and ChessBase India.

The Player Lineup

The Chennai Grand Masters 2023 will witness an intense clash of titans, featuring some of the best players from around the world:

  1.  Parham Maghsoodloo (2742)
  2. Arjun Erigaisi (2727)
  3. Levon Aronian (2723)
  4. D. Gukesh (2720)
  5. Sanan Sjugirov (2703)
  6. Pentala Harikrishna (2696)
  7. Pavel Eljanov (2691)
  8. Alexandr Predke (2689)

This stellar lineup promises a week filled with strategic brilliance and tactical mastery, setting the stage for a landmark event in Indian chess history.

Parham Maghsoodloo
Levon Aronian
D. Gukesh
Pentala Harikrishna
Alexandr Predke
Sanan Sjugirov
Pavel Eljanov

Sponsors and Organizers

A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to the Tamil Nadu Government and the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for their invaluable sponsorship, turning the vision of hosting a Classical Super Tournament into reality. Their timely and substantial support has elevated the event to unprecedented heights.

Event Details

  • Dates: December 15th to 21st, 2023
  • Time: Each round begins at 3 p.m. IST, with the final round commencing slightly earlier

Prize Distribution

A total fund of Rs.50 lakh (US$60,000) underscores the significance of the tournament. The prize money distribution is as follows:
  •  1st place: Rs.15 lakh (US$18,000)
  • 2nd place: Rs.10 lakh (US$12,000)
  • 3rd place: Rs.8 lakh (US$9,600)
  • 4. 4th place: Rs.5 lakh (US$6,000)
  • 5. 5th place: Rs.4 lakh (US$4,800)
  • 6. 6th place: Rs.3.5 lakh (US$4,200)
  • 7. 7th place: Rs.2.5 lakh (US$3,000)
  • 8. 8th place: Rs.2 lakh (US$2,400)

Time Format

The tournament will adopt a time control of 90 minutes for the entire game, with a 30-second increment per move, and no second time control.

Venue

The grandeur of the Leela Palace Hotel in Chennai will serve as the backdrop for this chess extravaganza. Renowned for its opulence, the hotel will not only host the players but also provide a fitting arena for this momentous event.

Conclusion

The Chennai Grand Masters 2023 is not merely a chess tournament; it’s a testament to India’s growing prominence in the chess world. As the best minds in chess converge in Chennai, the tournament promises to be a defining chapter in the nation’s chess journey. Stay tuned for a week of strategic brilliance, intense battles, and historic moments that will reverberate through the annals of Indian chess history.

You may also like