Delhi Chess Open: More Than Just a Tournament, It’s an Emotion
- Team ChessX
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
Indian chess is experiencing a golden era, with players making headlines on the global stage. Over the past year, we have witnessed incredible performances from D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Koneru Humpy, R. Vaishali, and the golden Olympiad teams. The momentum has carried into the new year, with R. Praggnanandhaa clinching the prestigious Tata Steel event in the Netherlands.
But have we noticed something? None of these remarkable achievements have come from tournaments held in India. Despite hosting the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India lacks a consistent, world-class event that attracts top-tier players.
While the All India Chess Federation (AICF) plans to introduce two elite tournaments in 2025, the specifics remain undisclosed. India, one of the strongest chess nations, still awaits an annual, globally recognSzed tournament on home soil.
Delhi International Open: A Crucial Stepping Stone
Amidst this void, the Delhi International Open, now in its 21st edition, emerges as a beacon of hope. Although it may not match the top-tier elite events, it plays a crucial role in shaping future chess champions. Notably, Gukesh secured his third and final Grandmaster norm at this tournament in 2019.
Scheduled to take place from June 7-14, 2025, this year’s event boasts a substantial prize pool of ₹1.21 crore. Organized by the Delhi Chess Association (DCA), an affiliate of AICF, this edition holds additional significance as, for the first time, FIDE Circuit points will be awarded—paving the way for qualification into the prestigious Candidates Tournament.
A Grand Return with Record Prize Money
After a two-year hiatus, the Delhi International GM Tournament is back in a grand way. The total prize fund across three categories stands at a whopping ₹1.21 crore, with ₹51,00,000 for Category A, and ₹35,00,000 each for Category B (Below 1900) and Category C (Below 1700). The top three prizes in Category A are ₹7,00,000, ₹6,00,000, and ₹5,00,000, with the top ten players securing at least ₹1,00,000 each. Additionally, the Best Female and Best Foreign Player will receive ₹1,00,000 each. Entry is free for GMs, IMs, WGMs, and WIMs, who will also be offered free accommodation on a twin-sharing basis.
The tournament has produced some of India’s finest chess stars. GM Aravindh Chithambaram, who won the 20th edition in 2023, is now ranked World No. 21. The 19th edition in 2022 saw Arjun Erigaisi crowned champion, with the current World Champion, GM D. Gukesh, finishing second. The addition of FIDE Circuit Points makes this year’s event even more prestigious, attracting top players from across the world.
Attracting Global Talent
“It’s a bit early to confirm the lineup, but we are expecting around 10 players with Elo ratings above 2600,” said Bharat Singh Chauhan, president of DCA and chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee. “We take pride in hosting this event for so many years, maintaining high standards, and growing its stature.”
Currently, the top 31 players in the world hold Elo ratings above 2700. The Delhi International Open, played in a Swiss League format, presents an excellent opportunity for players just below the elite level to compete against strong opponents. For Indian players, this is a crucial chance to improve their ratings without the financial burden of traveling abroad.
In the past, the Goodricke Open in Kolkata served a similar purpose, offering a competitive platform for talented players who couldn’t afford international tournaments. With its discontinuation, the Delhi International Open has stepped up to fill this crucial gap.
A Lifeline for Aspiring Indian Players
“Upcoming Indian players need tournaments like this,” Chauhan emphasized. “The Goodricke Open was well-organized and featured strong players over the years, but it didn’t last as long as the Delhi Open. Organizing such a large-scale event, hosting close to 2500 players across three categories, is no easy feat. Thankfully, we have continued support.”
For many young Indian players, watching their compatriots dominate international events raises an important question—how did they get there? The answer lies in collecting norms and improving Elo ratings. Events like the Delhi International Open provide this platform, allowing Indian talent to gain exposure and battle against strong international competition at home.
Schedule and Categories
The tournament will be conducted across three categories:
Category A (7th - 14th June 2025) – Open to all players
Category B (Below 1900) (7th - 10th June 2025)
Category C (Below 1700) (11th - 14th June 2025)
Prize Structure
Category A
Total prize pool: ₹51,00,000
Top three prizes: ₹7,00,000, ₹6,00,000, ₹5,00,000
Top 10 prizes: ₹1,00,000 or more
Best Female & Best Foreign Player: ₹1,00,000 each
Category B (Below 1900)
Total prize pool: ₹35,00,000
Top three prizes: ₹4,00,000, ₹3,00,000, ₹2,00,000
Top 10 prizes: ₹60,000 or more
Category C (Below 1700)
Total prize pool: ₹35,00,000
Top three prizes: ₹4,00,000, ₹3,00,000, ₹2,00,000
Top 10 prizes: ₹60,000 or more
The Need for More Elite Tournaments in India
While India continues to produce world-class chess players, the absence of high-profile, elite tournaments remains a glaring issue. Events like the Delhi International Open act as a feeder line, preparing players for greater challenges ahead. However, to establish India as a true chess powerhouse, the country must host regular premier tournaments that attract the world’s best players.
Until then, the Delhi Chess Open remains more than just a tournament—it’s an emotion, representing the aspirations of countless Indian players striving to leave their mark on the global chess arena.
Comments