New Delhi, May 17—The 21st edition of the Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament will take place from June 7 to 14, drawing over 2,500 players from more than 15 countries, including 20 Grandmasters. Hosted by the Delhi Chess Association under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, this prestigious event offers a record prize pool of ₹1.21 crore, making it one of the largest classical-format chess tournaments in Asia.
Three Categories, Record Participation
The tournament will feature three FIDE-rated categories:- Category A: Open to all internationally rated players, with a prize pool of ₹51 lakh.
- Category B: For players rated below 1900, offering ₹35 lakh in prizes.
- Category C: For players rated below 1700, also with a ₹35 lakh prize pool.
Time Controls and Prize Details
- Category A will use classical time control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move one.
- Top three prizes: ₹7,00,000, ₹6,00,000, and ₹5,00,000.
- Top 10 finishers: Guaranteed ₹1,00,000 or more.
- Special prizes: ₹1,00,000 each for Best Female Player and Best Foreign Player.
- Category B will use 60-minute + 30-second increment, while
- Category C will be played with 30-minute + 30-second increment formats.
Fostering India's Chess Renaissance
Highlighting the tournament’s growing stature, Delhi Chess Association President Bharat Singh Chauhan remarked,The tournament has played a formative role in shaping the careers of Indian chess luminaries such as Arjun Erigaisi, Aravindh Chithambaram, R Praggnanandhaa, and reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju.
As India’s chess ecosystem continues to thrive, the Delhi GM Open stands as a testament to the country's deepening chess culture and infrastructure.
